Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image is an intimate reintroduction to an iconic artist. Known for her carefully constructed image, marrying tradition and modernism, Frida Kahlo is one of the most intriguing figures of the 20th century. Direct from Mexico’s Museo Frida Kahlo, housed in the artist’s cherished Blue House, the exhibition features a range of her personal effects. These objects – which remained sealed in the bathrooms of the Blue House for 50 years after Kahlo’s death in 1954 – are to be displayed in Australia in this exclusive showcase. Lauren Ellis, Curatorial Manager at Bendigo Art Gallery, shows VAULT some of the most significant treasures on display for the exhibition.
Image credit: Portrait of Frida Kahlo, 1932. Photo: Guillermo Kahlo. Courtesy Museo Frida Kahlo, Banco de México – Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums Trust
01 The most iconic images of Frida Kahlo – arguably even more famous today than her artworks – were from a series of colour portraits taken by her lover and lifelong friend Nickolas Muray. The images immortalised Kahlo’s unflinching gaze and charismatic persona. The gold necklace in this portrait will be displayed as part of the exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery.
02 Kahlo underwent many surgeries to address ongoing health issues caused by a near-fatal bus accident in her teenage years. Afterwards, she wore rigid corsets to support her upper body. Some she transformed into works of art. Here, a broken stone column symbolises her damaged spine.
03 Kahlo had an exceptional sense of colour and composition, expertly adorning herself with an array of precious antiques, inexpensive market trinkets, pre-Hispanic stone necklaces, ribbons, flowers and modern designer pieces. This silver and amethyst bracelet is the work of renowned modernist jeweller Antonio Piñeda, one of the leading artists of Mexico’s famed Taxco School.
04 Kahlo’s first experience with disability was her childhood polio illness, which affected her right leg. These boots, with one lifted heel to support her shorter right leg, have been adapted and decorated with embroidery, beading and a metal badge Kahlo received as a gift..... Subscribe to read all articles in full
