Frida Kahlo: Face to Face
Judy Chicago
Prestel
Countless numbers of books have been written about Frida Kahlo. So, why has Prestel commissioned a new one? Artist, Judy Chicago alongside art historian, Frances Borzello, bring something new to the forum with Face to Face.
Chicago and Borzello selected 90 essential works, which survey Kahlo鈥檚 oeuvre, but in a new context. With Kahlo鈥檚 place firmly rooted in history, Chicago asks how exactly has this place been cemented? 鈥淎s an important artist? Feminist hero, Latino pioneer? Popular icon?鈥 Chicago considers Kahlo鈥檚 art without referring to her biography or husband, Diego Rivera. Both Chicago and Borzello take Kahlo鈥檚 work outside of the male narrative.
With essays and a running commentary from Chicago and Borzello, this book explores Kahlo鈥檚 many facets: woman, artist, inspiration and histori颅cal figure. Although Kahlo already has a cult-like status, this new reading brings a welcome perspective, which extends beyond Kahlo, and into the work of women artists in general. Beautifully designed, this collection might make your shelf bow, but it鈥檚 worth it.
Shirley Stevenson