Now on view at the Portland Art Museum, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection is a fascinating exploration of Mexican modernism and two of its most beloved icons. It is also one of the most highly anticipated exhibitions at the Museum in recent years, partly due to a nearly two-year COVID-forced postponement. Opening weekend visitors queued up and shared impassioned reviews and gratitude for the opportunity to see these works in person.

Fridamaniacs will not be disappointed, with 24 works by Kahlo, including some of her best-known works like Diego on My Mind (Self-Portrait as Tehuana) and Self-Portrait with Monkeys, and many more photographs and depictions of the beloved artist. Those familiar with Rivera from his iconic large-scale murals, will be treated to works that showcase his talent on a more intimate scale, including major paintings like Calla Lily Vendor. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about influential artists like Manuel and Lola Álvarez Bravo, María Izquierdo, Carlos Mérida, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and others who worked alongside Kahlo and Rivera. Combined, these Avant-Garde artists helped to shape a new Mexican identity after the revolution known as Mexicanidad.

In keeping with the great mural tradition of Rivera, and his contemporaries like Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco, who are also featured in the exhibition, the Museum has tapped local Latinx artists to paint murals in the entry hall of the Museum. During March and April, visitors can watch the live creation of two large format paintings in the Museum’s Schnitzer Sculpture Court. The first collaboration includes artists Hector Hernandez, Angennette Escobar, Christian Barrios and Victor Hugo Garza, who will paint from March 2 through April 2. The second collaboration is with IDEAL PDX artists Jessica Lagunas, William Hernandez, Romina del Castillo, José Solis and Daniel Santollo, who will work together on a large-scale mural from April 8 through May 29.  Working during public hours, these artists encourage and welcome audience questions and conversation.

 To learn more about these projects and the artists behind them, stay tuned to the Museum’s blog and social media channels, and sign up for upcoming programs like Murals and Collective Process: A Panel Discussion on April 10 and Shared Work: Mural Painting with IDEAL PDX on May 29. 

VISIT 

Tickets 

• Timed-entry tickets are required for Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism
• Cost $25 for adults; $22 for college students and seniors; free for youth 17 and under.
• Admission is free for Portland Art Museum members, who receive free timed tickets and access to member-only hours

Hours

• Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Members-only hours for Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. 

Free and lower costs ways to visit 

• Free admission for youth age 17 and under 
• Free admission for veterans 
• Community free days—March 20 and April 24. 
• $5 admission for Oregon Trail Card holders
• $25 yearly College Student Pass. 
• Exhibition lead sponsor Bank of America offers cardholders free PAM admission on the first full weekend of each month through the Museums on Us partnership.