Given the renown of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), it’s hard to believe it’s taken until now for an exhibit of her work to appear at the Museum of Fine Arts. Focusing on her relationship with arte popular, or Mexican folk art, Frida Kahlo and Arte Popular features eight of her paintings—including the museum’s recent acquisition Dos Mujeres (Salvadora y Herminia) and significant loans from museums across the United States—along with more than 40 folk art objects and photos of the artist. Often crafted anonymously, arte popular—from textiles and ceramics to children’s toys and devotional objects—had a profound influence on Kahlo, who owned an extensive collection and viewed native art as integral in helping create a distinct national identity.
