“I had two accidents in my life-the streetcar crash and Diego Rivera”, from this quote we start to understand the complex artist, Frida Kahlo (1907-1954). She painted “pain and passion”. Fifty-five self portraits of sorrow and happiness, filled with symbolism of pet animals, religious connotations, colour and fashion. Fashion may not be the word used by Frida but she had style. She was proud of her ancestoral roots; wearing ethnic clothing and pre-Columbian jewellery in her portraits
“I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality.”
Here in Mexico, street and beach vendors sell knockoffs of Frida Kahlo’s painting for 1500 pesos, her portrait on a bag for 40 pesos or a pareo for 180 pesos.
My favourite images are by professional photographer Nickolas Muray (1892-1965), some of his portraits of her are available for purchase at his website.
Frida Kahlo lives on within her images and we all take what we want from her.
Final note, Jennifer Dickson collection of garden images ” Giochi d’ Acqua ” at Wallack galleries from February 21 until March 8, 2014, Ottawa, Canada. She will give a talk on March 8th ” Light and Colour in the Garden “, you need to reserve a space through email with the gallery. No regrets if you attend.
Below are some sketches from my week.