Las Favoritas de Frida: Selections from the Heard Collection

What would Frida Kahlo wear? What kinds of folk art would she surround herself with? To answer those questions, the Heard went to the Phoenix Fridas. This collective of nine artists founded a decade ago draw inspiration by Frida Kahlo’s life, work and attitude toward life. The Fridas worked with the Heard to select items  from among more than 400 pieces of Mexican art in the museum’s substantial collection, and explained why they think Frida would have liked them.

Exhibit includes treasures that look like they were pulled straight from Frida Kahlo’s closet — colorfully-embroidered blouses, large stone necklaces, shawls (rebozos) and ornate jewelry with beads and coins. Other works of art might be found on her bedside table, bookshelf or wall — a lively tree of life, ceramic animal figures, copper and wood masks, and vibrant textiles. Frida loved her animals, making pets of small deer, Mexican hairless dogs, parrots and monkeys.

Interviews with the Phoenix Fridas are included in a 30-minute video about who they are, their art and their inspiration. It will be screened in the gallery during the exhibit. 

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website