Julien Levy Gallery
Surrealist-leaning art gallery at 15 East 57th Street, Manhattan. In Hayden Herrera’s Frida it gives Frida Kahlo her first solo exhibition, in November 1938.
At a glance
| Source | Author | Role | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frida | Hayden Herrera | setting | Frida’s first solo show: a lively opening, good press and about half the paintings sold. |
Frida — Hayden Herrera (1983)
Source: Frida - A Biography of Frida Kahlo · Original · Readwise highlight
An exhibition of paintings by Frida Kahlo (FRIDA RIVERA) opens Tuesday, November 1st, at the JULIEN LEVY GALLERY, 15 East 57th St.
- Role: setting
- In the book: In Chapter 14 Levy writes unexpectedly asking for a show, and a doubtful Frida accepts; Breton writes the brochure essay. The exhibition opens on November 1, 1938, with Frida in Mexican costume at a crowded opening. The press is mostly delighted, about half the paintings sell, and Levy photographs her and introduces her to the Surrealist circle.
- Why it matters: It is her debut as a painter in her own right rather than Rivera’s wife, and it launches the Surrealist label and the sales and commissions that follow.