There’s new exhibit in town and I’m excited! Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection & 20th Century Mexican Art from The Stanley and Pearl Goodman Collection opened Wednesday at the NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale. Frida Kahlo and husband Diego Rivera are arguably the most well known twentieth century Latin American artists. This exhibit draws on their popularity to introduce us to some other names in Mexican art we should know. These include Lenora Carrington (1917-2011), Gerhard Gerzso (1915-2000), José Clemente Orozco (1883-1949) and many more. Works on show consist of paintings, sculptures, photographs and works on paper. The exhibit runs through May 31^st. I am planning on going on March 27^th when Kahlo scholar Dr. Salomon Grimberg will be speaking on Frida Kahlo: The Still Lifes-But let's talk about the kitchen! There are many published photos of Frida's kitchen which got me to wondering what it would look like today. Wouldn't it be great to have her essence around when you're making enchiladas? What are the elements you could include to give you that vibe? Frida learned to cook for Diego, oddly enough, from Diego's previous wife! She became an accomplished cook but also spent leisurely mornings in the kitchen reading the newspaper with Diego.

This kitchen is located in La Casa Azul, a home Frida was born in and continued to return to throughout her turbulent life. You can tour it if you find yourself in Coyoacán, Mexico City. Check out this article if you'd like to know more. The rustic simplicity, white walls, high ceilings, windows and use of rustic materials make me think of Kahlo. In this fantasy kitchen I used bright colors with a few contemporary twists in homage to the Mexican diva. Design elements of a "Frida kitchen" include the following:-Liberal use of tile-Open shelf storage-Bright colors-White walls-Rustic wood-Lots of light!If you've never seen the movie Frida, don't stop, click here immediately and get it!! Today I leave you with my favorite scene from the movie. I must warn you it's hot, steamy and not for the feint of heart. Consider yourself warned and enjoy ;) Happy Friday and have a fantastic weekend.

Happy Cinco de Mayo. Today, the 5th of May, is the day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. It marks the date of a Mexican victory in a regional battle with the French in 1862. However when I think of Mexico I think of Frida, bright splashes of color and real Mexican food, not the goop of melted cheese you find so often in "Mexican" restaurants. Frida, of course, is surrealist Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, one of the most well known artists of the twentieth century. She was married to the famous muralist Diego Rivera.

The movie Frida, starring Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina relates their tumultuous relationship as well as the revolutionary political climate and personal experiences that colored both their careers as artists. I love this movie because it is art. I doubt there is a single solitary frame in this film that cannot stand on its own as a work of art. The colors are amazing as are the scenes that morph from reality into artwork.One of my favorite scenes is Frida's tango portraying a seductive dance between Frida Kahlo and Tina Midotti (Italian photographer and fellow revolutionary) played in the movie by Salma and Ashley Judd. Watch the steamy scene here. Frida's kitchen was no less colorful than her life. Her house, La Casa Azul in Coyoacan Mexico, is open to the public. A visit is something I definitely need to add to the old bucket list.If you find yourself craving some Mexican culinary magic check out this cookbook filled with authentic Mexican recipes.I'm hoping you have Netflix so you can blend up some frozen margaritas, whip up some fresh guacamole, sit back and enjoy Frida on this Cinco de Mayo. You're in for a treat!

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