In 2008 the Latin American art scene was on fire. Then sputtered. Wedneday night, May 26, 2010, the embers blew into flame again. Five records were set at the Christie’s New York auction, including $1.1 million for a Frida Kahlo painting no bigger than 4 X 6 inches. Pre-sale estimate was $150,000, tops.
The tiny painting is called, “The Survivor.” She did it after surviving a suicide attempt. Mexican artist Jose Clemente Orozco, who painted huge murals like Kahlo’s husband Diego Rivera, earned a record $1.1 million for his work called, “The City.” Also like Rivera, Orozco lived in New York City during the depression. Other auction records were set by art from Soto, Michel, Milhazes, and Jaar.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64Q59920100527
