adminThe Rabbit Hole Part 2
I found Frida, in the crown jewel of the museum. The gallery located on the top floor with jewel toned walls featured the most prominent artists. Frida Khalo is a midcentury Mexican painter, known for her raw surreal images.
Having spent a significant amount of her life bedridden (due to a horrific accident) with a mirror above her bed. Frida simply painted her relationships with pain, pleasure, resilience, and frailty.
“Self Portrait for Leon Trotsky” was gifted to her comrade (Leon Trotsky) on his birthday after a brief love affair.
On first impression I was not impressed, this portrait was in free of the dramatic prose and mystery that have made famous.
It was simply her.
Perhaps that’s the point, this portrait was a gift of Khalo’s softer side. She stands dressed in a full-length embroidered skirt, a fringed shawl, with her hair adorned in flowers. The soft yet vibrant colors, framed by a set of white drapes peeling off to the side, presenting herself as demure and regal. She holds a cluster of flowers and a note signed to Trotsky “all my love”
I imagine the intensity of their conversations, passion, and secrets.
I’m sure Trotsky’s wife was thrilled.
Deciding to make my exit, I notice an annex above the top floor. Time was not on my side, but I cannot recall the last time I was in D.C. The research library, I got into a lengthy conversation with the charming librarian about my research project regarding the Pink Tax.
Her name was Kate. She explained that gender biased pricing was very prominent in the art world, and one of the reasons the museum was established. I gave her my email and she dutifully sent me information for my research.
After a lengthy conversation, I said a quick goodbye and took the elevator to the ground floor, determined to leave.
On my way to the exit, I found the gift shop. I had to grab something small, yet unique.
I purchased some striking Grace Jones stickers.
Remarking about the fact that Grace Jones is a legend, from another time.
The clerk, a 30 something young man with a bald head and South American accent, remarked on his deep admiration for the iconic Grace Jones.
Grace Jones is one of the old school queens. She is a model, singer, actress and music producer. Vouge calls her “the ultimate style muse”, VH1 named her one of the Greatest Women in Rock and Roll. Grace Jones is striking on many levels. She created her own niche of sensuality and brute strength. She continues to perform live after over 40 years. I remember seeing her images on magazine covers, and my parent’s album collection in the 80’s. I had to grab the unique stickers with her image.
Recognizing another deep dive conversation, I agreed, thanked him and darted toward the exit, leaving the rabbit hole.
