Frida Kahlo

This book is what I would call the "Reader's Digest" version of a Kahlo biography. It is a great introduction to the life and art of Frida Kahlo. Terri Hardin has written this book very simply and to the point with a nice balance of bio, art and photos. The color reproductions of Kahlo's paintings and drawings are very sharp and of high quality...probably the best I've seen in any Kahlo book. Although this book is mostly biographical, there is some discussion of her paintings. Also included in this book is a selection of black & white photos and a few of her drawings. Highly recommend this book to those just getting to know Frida Kahlo or those already familiar with Kahlo but want something extra.

This is a book that would be excellent as an introduction to Kahlo's work, or for those who are familiar with it and want more, as there are some pieces included that are not often seen, like drawings and some glorious still lifes.It also shows examples of the things that influenced her, like Mayan figurines, engravings from Chichen Itza, "Day of the Dead" items, etc...and has some personal photos that are marvelous as well.Terri Hardin writes simply and directly, and has done an good job of researching Kahlo's life. The book is 9 x 12, and its 128 pages are mostly devoted to Kahlo's art, so the biography of her is detailed with a minimum of text, but includes the essentials for one to get to know this great artist. She writes of her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, as well as the many other events that made her life a full but tragic one, and in describing her pictures, manages to interpret them quite well.Though so well known for her portraits, the two pictures that thrill me the most in this book are still lifes...one from 1942 on page 110 (there's an incredible, lush and vivid detail of it on pages 96-97), and "Still Life with Parrot" from '51 on page 113. The fruit and vegetables seem to dance with energy, and there are always a few cut open, exposing the insides, and their seeds.The quality of this book is wonderful, with thick, glossy paper (making it feel heavy for its size), and the color reproduction is vibrant. For anyone interested in Kahlo's work, this is a lovely book to own and treasure.

A friend of mind who loves the late Frida Kahlo gave me this book to read to become familar with her work. Needless to say, I was very impressed with the artist and the way Ms. Hardin captures her in this book. The book has inspired me to do more research on Frida by capturing some of Frida's greatest work here. I recommend this book to anyone who desires to begin study on the work and life of Frida Kahlo.