Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Frida Kahlo 1907-1954 Mexican Artist

I am a great fan of Frida Kahlo. I admire her work, courage and style. Circumstances gave her a very difficult physical life, but she never let this hold her back from doing what she wished - there was always a way, however difficult. She maintained this tenacity and love of life wearing the Mexican national costume. The recent unsealing of Frida's personal dressing room, and the restoration of the garments, some apparently still retaining whiffs of her perfume, has led to the wonderful collection which is the basis of a new book, Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress (ISBN 978-0-8118-6344-5 Chronicle Books LLC). I have now received my copy. What a wonderful book, hardback, and full of amazing photos. Many show Frida wearing a selection of garments (b & w), and opposite in colour are the same garments on a mannequin displayed in her home, now the Museo Frida Kahlo. During a visit to Mexico in 2006 I visited this museum and found it quite an emotional experience. I am able to recognise many of the rooms in the book's photos, and where the film of her life was staged. There is now a gift shop and cafe in the grounds, and I was able to purchase a half-size cup with Frida Kahlo's name glazed on the side. This is my morning coffee mug and I look forward to having my morning coffee with Frida every day!
As an incredible coincidence, I recently discovered that she celebrated her birthday on the very same day as I do - amazing eh!
The photos show the cover of the book, my coffee mug resting on a teaspoon, and me in the garden of Museo Frida Kahlo 2006.
Next Blog: Cabbage and receiving new blogs as an email