Eliot's Eats

A life well read and well fed

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Cook the Books Announcement: The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo

In the late 80s, my family traveled to Texas so my sister could interview for the prestigious Truman Scholarship. While we were waiting on her to complete the interview process, mom, dad and I wandered around the college campus.  While I am pretty certain we were on the campus of SMU, I have no problem remembering the impact of a small exhibit on campus.

The Works of Frida Kahlo

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The Wounded Deer (1946)

I remember standing in front of this painting and wanting to stare at it for hours.  (I think I might have frightened my father a bit by how much I loved this exhibit.)

I had never seen anything so weird or wonderful.

I have been fascinated by her works and life ever since.  When I saw this novel on a bookseller’s table, I had to have it.

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The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo by F. G. Haghenbeck is full of food.  Sprinkled throughout the narrative of Kahlo’s fiery life are recipes, everything from Pico de Gallo to Mango Tepozteco Ice Cream.

Cook the Books is joining with Food ‘n Flix this month in a crossover event.  I am hosting The Secret Book for CTB and hosting Frida for FnF.   There will be more about the September FnF event soon.  For the official CTB announcement post and all the information about participating, click here.  The CTB deadline is September 30.

Please consider participating in both of these Frida events.  You can use one post or two to celebrate this artist’s life.

 

Fate is a crazy thing.  Can you believe that coinciding with this CTB and FnF paired event is a much bigger affair at the Gilcrease Museum of Art in Tulsa?

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Frida leaning on a sculpture by Mardonio Magaña, Coyoacán 1940, by Nickolas Muray

Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray

July 10, 2016 – September 11, 2016

Comments & Replies

12 responses to “Cook the Books Announcement: The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo”

  1. Mae Avatar

    Frida has been the subject of a lot of books and art exhibits — there was a great one at the Detroit Institute of Arts last year. I enjoyed her cameo appearance in Barbara Kingsolver’s book “The Lacuna.” I hope you’ll write a full review of the book you are using for your event!

    best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

    1. Eliot Avatar

      Yes, I love Kingsolver, too. There should be a few reviews from the other CTB members by the end of September. I am sure the Detroit exhibit was spectacular considering the time Diego and Frida spent there.

  2. Pam Avatar

    Yes, I agree: Frida’s paintings were weird and/or wonderful. And what a life she led, esp her dysfunctional relationship with Diego Rivera and Trotsky also. I’d love to see an exhibit of hers. Have fun with the CTB!

    1. Eliot Avatar

      What a life, indeed.

  3. sprint2thetable Avatar

    That’s so awesome – you’ll have a blast, I’m sure. I’ve always loved her work as well. So much to observe in each piece.

    1. Eliot Avatar

      Definitely a lot to see (and analyze) with each piece.

  4. kitchenriffs Avatar
    kitchenriffs

    Yup, Frida has a really distinctive style. And I’ve been reading a lot about her lately. Will be fun to see the dishes you put together for the two events!

    1. Eliot Avatar

      My favorite biography is by Hayden Herrera. I can’t wait either.

  5. […] of Art.  (If you haven’t been following EE recently, please note that we are all about Frida Kahlo lately.)   Gilcrease hosted a free event to celebrate the life and legacy of Kahlo.  We got to […]

  6. […] a collaborative event with Cook the Books.   Last month, I announced that I was hosting the August/September round for CtB with The Secret Books of Frida Kahlo.  To coincide with the Cook the Books event, I am also […]

  7. […] am hosting the August/September round for Cook the Books featuring F.G. Haghenbeck’s The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo. […]