Frida Kahlo Exhibit at the Frist Art Museum
A review of the Mexican Modernism exhibition at Nashville’s Frist Museum
Self-Portrait as a Tehuana (Diego on my Mind) by Frida Kahlo
A couple of weeks ago, Bob and I took a quick overnight trip to Nashville for an appointment. I was thrilled that this schedule allowed us to see the Mexican Modernism exhibition at the Frist Museum! Several paintings by Frida Kahlo, along with several more by her husband Diego Rivera, were the focal point of the show. I couldn’t contain my excitement that we’d get to go see these works, as Frida Kahlo has been my very favorite artist since I was a teenager. In fact, I kept a postcard print of the above painting, Self-Portrait as a Tehuana (Diego on my Mind), on my dorm room bulletin boards throughout college.
I was so excited to see Frida’s paintings that I ordered a copy of my favorite non-required-reading book from college, Hayden Herrera’s Frida: The Biography of Frida Kahlo. I wanted to remember all of the important details of Frida’s life, influences, and work before I saw her paintings!
Y’all, this exhibition was amazing. I’m not kidding you, I was in tears several times as I looked up close at works I’d previously only seen in reproduction. Even if you aren’t a Frida junkie like me, it’s a very well-done series. The works in the exhibition are from the Jacques and Natasha Gilman collection, and include many of the most celebrated and recognizable works from Rivera, Kahlo, and several of their contemporaries.
Self-Portrait in Red and Gold Dress by Frida Kahlo
Self-Portrait with Monkeys by Frida Kahlo
In addition to the fantastic array of paintings, the exhibit includes over fifty photos from Frida and Diego’s lives together. The photos cover the major events in the Frida & Diego mythology, from their two weddings to their political activism (they even helped house Leon and Natalia Trotsky in exile in Mexico City) to the ravages of Frida’s lifelong health issues, the result of a childhood bout of polio and a trolley car accident she survived as a teenager. A video of Frida and Diego plays against one wall, and several traditional Tehuana costumes, like those favored by Frida, are on display.
The exhibit runs through September 2nd; I’m seriously considering running back down for a second viewing over the holiday weekend! It was such a great reminder that Nashville hasn’t become all Bro-Country bars and bachelorette parties. Stay tuned for more adventures in how to do Nashville like an adult!
Our Stay at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville
Review of Midtown Nashville boutique hotel.
Annie Lindberg's "Redberry"
Nashville has changed so much recently, y'all. When we lived in the Music City a decade ago, it still had a small-town feel. These days, there's so much new construction and a big city energy, but it's still as charming and Southern as ever. A couple of weeks ago, when Bob and I had some appointments in Nashville, we chose a new hotel in Midtown, one of the areas that's changed the most over the past couple of years. The Kimpton Aertson did not disappoint! It was elegant, comfortable, and provided the perfect night's sleep!
The Aertson, a boutique hotel named for an ancestor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, is adjacent to the north end of Vanderbilt University's campus and an easy walking distance from Hattie B's Hot Chicken and The Patterson House. The location is great for experiencing Nashville in so many ways -- from traditional Music Row-and-Hot Chicken tourism to visiting college campuses at Belmont, Vandy, and Lipscomb to taking in the sites of 12 South, including Draper James. It made a perfect home base as we ran errands, took appointments, ate, and shopped in the area!
The hotel itself is simply lovely! Artistic nods included artist Annie Lindberg's mixed media installation "Redberry", a web of pink and orange threads, wallpapered bedroom ceilings that resemble frescos, and a huge, elegant bathroom with glass doors and white subway tile. A wallpapered wall in the bathroom mimicked the blueprints for the nearby Tennessee Capitol building, providing a nice nod to the hotel's Nashville locale without overindulging in the prevalent Music City Kitch prevalent in so many nearby hotels.
The exercise room was roomy and well-equipped, allowing Bob and me to both log in a good workout. The treadmills and ellipticals were excellent, as were the thick exercise mats and the plentiful free weights. The real star of the hotel, though, was our actual bedroom. The bed was a perfect firmness, and the down comforter and pillows were so luxurious. Every detail was so thoughtful and convenient, from the USB charging ports on both nightstands to the Jawbone Mini Jambox speaker for smartphone pairing. Our 6th floor room overlooked Broadway, providing a fun view of traffic and campus.
Delightful special touches included a dog-friendly policy (Max and Sophie want to tag along next time!), hyper-local Frothy Monkey coffee in the lobby at morning, and a cocktail hour there in the evening, and a text-for-valet service. I hope to take in the Woodhouse Spa, the Henley Restaurant, and the rooftop bar and pool on future visits!
As I enjoyed the hour "gained" by visiting the Central Time Zone, I read a line from Nashville native author Ann Patchett in her collection of essays, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage: "My memory can only separate hotels int three categories: those that are disgusting, those that are very nice, and those that may have been Hyatts." Thanks so much to the Kimpton Aertson for staying in the price range of a hotel that may have been a Hyatt while providing a stay that placed it firmly in the very nice hotel category!