Frida Kahlo (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
The art dealer captures a different side to the artist
Julien Levy (1906–1981) used his charisma, connections, and personal resources to establish himself as a key player in the field of modern art. An art dealer and owner of Julien Levy Gallery in New York City, which he set up in 1931, Levy created an important space for Surrealists, avant-garde artists, and photographers during the 1930s and 40s.
The gallerist was the first to give Kahlo her first solo exhibition in America in 1938 and it caused a stir within the art world. Time magazine at the time stated: "the flutter of the week in Manhattan was caused by the first exhibition of paintings by famed muralist Diego Rivera’s wife… Frida Kahlo." While her first venture in the New York art scene was slightly eclipsed by still being referred to as Rivera’s wife, it marked the beginning of becoming an artist in her own right.
Frida Kahlo (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
Levy and Kahlo were close and there were rumours that they became lovers, as was the unspoken arrangement with Kahlo and her husband. A series of photographs taken by Levy of Kahlo in 1937, a year before her solo show, alludes to this closeness and portrays the Mexican artist semi-nude and candid.
Frida Kahlo (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
Kahlo was an artist whose work became famous for its raw honesty and openness, and Levy’s photographs offer another personal insight into the artist. With her hair undone, surrounded by her recognizable full skirts, we see Kahlo seemingly at ease with the camera. The artist is captured often staring straight down Levy’s lens creating a striking intimacy, making the viewer feel almost like a voyeur. Levy’s photographs of Kahlo feel significant, not just because of the closeness he's achieved, but the fact he's captured the artist on the cusp of worldwide fame. See more of Levy's fascinating photographs below:
Frida Kahlo (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
Frida Kahlo (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
Frida Kahlo (Element for a Collage or Montage?) (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
Frida Kahlo (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
Frida Kahlo (Strip of Two Contact Prints) (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
Frida Kahlo (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
Frida Kahlo (1938) by Julien Levy, American, 1906 - 1981Philadelphia Museum of Art
