The upcoming exhibition at the V&A museum is giving a fresh perspective on Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo’s compelling life story through her most intimate personal belongings. From the 6th June, this exhibition will present an extraordinary collection of personal artefacts and clothing belonging to the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Locked away for 50 years after her death, this collection has never before been exhibited outside Mexico.
If you haven’t yet heard about her life story, it’s definitely an inspiring one. When Frida was still at school, she was involved in a serious bus accident, impaling her and leaving her in a full-body cast for months. However, spending the rest of her life in tremendous pain didn’t stop her becoming one of the world’s most renowned artist and style icons though. There have been numerous exhibitions displaying her professional work and personal life stories.
The accident ended Kahlo’s dreams of becoming a doctor and caused her pain for the rest of her life; her friend Andrés Henestrosa stated that Kahlo “lived dying”. During her recovery, she considered a career as a medical illustrator, combining her love of science and art, and therefore she began to paint. She had a specially-made easel that enabled her to paint in her hospital bed, and a mirror was placed above it so she could see herself – impressive, right?
“One of the most significant artists of the twentieth century”.
Her artwork, beautifully illustrated the physical and emotional pain she had gone through throughout her life. Her style became iconic, with it’s warm and vibrant colours. Further down her career, her work became adored by many. The Tate Modern now consider Kahlo as “one of the most significant artists of the twentieth century”. And to follow the many museums and galleries who play homage to her work, the success of the biopic ‘Frida’ starring Salma Hayek is just another example of how influential she really is.
Her sense of style has also become a talking point among many designers and brands. she has more recently influenced designers like Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy and Dolce & Gabbana.
The recurrent use of intricate hand embroidery, braids and flowers in her hair, appears to have been a completely personal choice, and a good one at that. At a time when women artists were fighting to win recognition for their work, Frida’s husband kept her wardrobe from the world for 50 years. It wasn’t until it was exposed and exhibited around the world that we could truly appreciate the collection of cosmetics, medication, love-letters, orthopedic braces and completely unique attire.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see it for yourselves at the V&A Museum from the 6th June. Entry: £15.
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