The Frida Kahlo fever has left Tate curators scrambling to secure her paintings for a blockbuster exhibition, but the task is proving to be a challenging one. The upcoming exhibition, titled 'Frida: The Making of an Icon', will showcase 36 of her works, a notable reduction from the Tate Modern's previous Kahlo exhibition in 2005, which featured over 50 artworks. Among the notable absences is Kahlo's iconic self-portrait, 'El sueño (La cama)', which recently sold for a record-breaking £41.8 million at auction, making it the most expensive work by a female artist ever. The Tate is still in negotiations to acquire this painting, but curator Tobias Ostrander admits that securing it is 'unlikely'. Adding to the challenge, pop icon Madonna has also been approached to lend her Kahlo paintings, but she has reportedly refused, owning five Kahlos herself, including 'My Birth' and 'El venado herido'. The exhibition will, however, provide a comprehensive overview of Kahlo's influence, featuring works by over 80 artists inspired by her. It will also delve into the phenomenon of 'Fridamania' and the excessive commercialization of her image. Despite her modest success during her lifetime, Kahlo has since become renowned as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. The 2002 biopic 'Frida', starring Salma Hayek, further fueled public interest in her life and work, exploring her art, politics, and the tumultuous relationship with her husband, artist Diego Rivera. Madonna's public admiration for Kahlo is well-known, and her refusal to lend her paintings adds a layer of complexity to the exhibition's planning. The question remains: will the Tate curators be able to secure the necessary paintings to make this exhibition a success?
