Frida Kahlo remains Timeless

Friday Kahlo: Timeless is a new exhibit running from June 5 until September 6 at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon was a complicated person, but this doesn't hinder this well thought out and curated art instillation within the McAninch Arts Center. There are 26 original works on loan from the Museo Dolores Olmedo and while there are a few key items missing from her collection, we can't complain as it has taken over 40 years for Ilinois to gather this major exhibition all in one place.

Not only are many of the self portraits and iconic art that Kahlo was known for, all housed in the well distanced space, but photography with over 100 images is included, along with a children's area, giving ticket holders a completely immersive and family inclusive experience.

Look for replicas of Kahlo's childhood bed and back braces created by Chicago artits Daniel Sullivan and Betsy Odom towards the front of the building and an outdoor garden towards the back.

The gift shop should also not be missed for those that love to collect her memorabilia and inspirations.

One might notice the small size of many of Kahlo's pieces, but this just adds to the intimate feeling of the tortured artist that lived much of her life in pain. Check out her unforgettable Self Portait with Small Monkey and Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress, to name just a few that are part of this new collection.

For reproductions of The Two Fridas, people will have to travel to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan, Mexico to see it in person, not here.

For those in the Downtown Chicago area head over to the Merchandise Mart before September 16 to see massive projections of Kahlo's work on the building accompanined by classical music from 9 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. nightly. Art on theMart is free and best seen, as well as heard, from the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.

Having this much representation of Kahlo's legacy in Illinois will certainly please longtime fans, as well as new ones, as we move into the summer months. Kahlo was not only a strong voice for the feminist movement, but was also a part of the LGBTQIA+ community in some relationships, and that should certainly be celebrated along with her art.

Show hours at the College of DuPage run 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Thursday. Visit Frida2021.org or call 630-942-4000 for tickets and information.