July 3, 2009
Mexico City, Mexico
Elevation 2240m
I went to the Museo Frida Kahlo and the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera Y Frida Kahlo today.
First of all, there has always been a bit of envy, or desire amongst friends of mine who all believe that the separate but together life style would be the way to ensure domestic happiness. Two house, connected but independent. At the very least, it sounds like a great idea.
I went to the “Blue House” first today and I love it. I walked in and thought,”f*ck Virginia Woolf and her room of one’s own, we all should have a blue house of our own.”
Then I went to the house and studio where Diego and Frida had lived from 1934 – 1940, before their divorce and subsequent remarriage to each other again. Diego’s house was lovely, bright and spacious with a beautiful set of cement staircase and giant windows. In complete contrast, Frida’s house was claustrophobic. Tight, small quarters with tiny windows and no main door way in. It felt like a prison with Rivera’s house as the gate keeper. No wonder she moved into the blue house after.
Frida Kahol’s work is one of the most highly valued of any female painter, she set auction record in 2003 at $1.3 million for “Self portrait with curly hair.” I am sorry, but that auction price is an insult. $1.3 million is pittance compared to what her male contemporaries prices are and a drop in the bucket when compared to auction prices for male contemporary artists such as Hirst and Koons.
When will we stand up and demand to be paid what we are worth? For the work to be judged on merit and nothing else? When will we demand for a blue house of our own and not merely be happy with a room?*
*I have gotten fired from many jobs and lost quiet a few commissions because I like to get paid for what I do. Its not a easy road to follow.
Charlie Grosso
310-592-0895
