We drove over the Bridge to the Frida Kahlo exhibition, “Appearances Can Be Deceiving” at SF’s deYoung Museum. We were a group of 7—my family of 4, plus Patrice and Susan H and her daughter. Everyone was required to wear masks and tickets were sold at 25% capacity. And, to be honest, the less-crowded galleries were a welcome change.
The show featured many of Kahlo’s signature fashions, and the kids were delighted to spot two huipiles from Guatemala: one from Coban, the other from Totonicapan. Naturally, those were our favorite textiles. Olivia’s favorite work overall was a photograph by Tina Modotti that features corn, a guitar, and bullets. Olivia stopped short when she saw it, staring for a long time. Finally, she pulled herself away, but not before noting, “This picture says everything. Everything. Wow.”
After our group ate a delicious snack outside the cafe, Susan snapped my family’s photo in front of the exhibition advertisement in the museum window. Besides us and the beautiful visage of Frida Kahlo, Susan caught the reflection of a 150-foot Ferris wheel that’s currently parked on the green across from the museum. The resulting image is very Diane Arbus, or so it feels to me.
“Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving” is on view at the deYoung through February 7, 2021. Timed tickets are available for purchase on the museum website.