MoMA Exhibition Tied to Opera Explores Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's Relationship

The Museum of Modern Art in New York has launched an exhibition titled 'Frida and Diego: The Last Dream,' which opened recently and runs through September 12. This display is a collaborative effort with the Metropolitan Opera, coinciding with a new production of the opera 'El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego' scheduled for May. The exhibition features stage and costume designs by British designer Jon Bausor, who adapted elements from the opera's original 2023 San Francisco production for the gallery setting. It includes a miniature set model of a tree of life, promotional videos, and artworks from MoMA's collection, such as Frida Kahlo's 'Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair' (1940) and Diego Rivera's 'Agrarian Leader Zapata' (1931). The show aims to explore the complex relationship between the two artists but has been critiqued for its theatrical installations, including scaffolding and blue tarp, which some find gimmicky. Despite mixed reviews, the exhibition attracted large crowds during its opening weekend, requiring waitlists for entry. Curated by Beverly Adams, Jon Bausor, Caitlin Chaisson, and Rachel Remick, it is positioned as a marketing initiative for the opera, highlighting interdisciplinary connections between visual art and performance.