Appearances Can Be Deceiving: Frida Kahlo Under The Influence
The inside entrance to the exhibit
I didn’t know what I’d be in for. I knew nothing about Frida Kahlo except for her unibrow and moustache (two of the unfortunate traits we both have in common–lucky me!) and that this mysterious floral Mexican was going to be waiting for me once I emerged from the adjacent Brooklyn subway station on a wet and shivery Sunday morning.
The endless trail of Frida hopefuls and me (hidden).
What I didn’t expect was hundreds of people also had the same idea and we were rounded up for what seemed to be five hundred hours outside, only to be issued a timed ticket reserved for the end of the day. Ages later, the golden ticket was in my dead cold hand and I was finally pushing through the colorful glass museum doors plastered with Frida’s name, elated and exhausted.
Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving is the largest U.S. exhibition in over a decade devoted to the iconic artist and the first in the country to display a collection of her clothing and other personal possessions, which were discovered and catalogued after her death in 1954.
As photography was strictly prohibited in the exhibition (boo hiss!), I’ve enclosed images of what I saw from other sources.
“I am my own muse, I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to know better”
–Frida Kahlo
Beyond the Headdress:
Frida’s creative life was overshadowed by the celebrity status of her successful artist husband, Diego Rivera whom she divorced and remarried (to which she dictated the second time round they would be platonic!). Born in 1907 to a German father and mixed Mexican mother, Kahlo soon took to helping her photographer father in his studio, but wanted initially to become a doctor. It wasn’t until a tragic accident changed her mind and ultimately her life. Scroll down to find out what happened…
“Frida Kahlo on a Bench” (1938) by Nickolas Muray Credit: Courtesy Nickolas Muray Photo Archives/The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of 20th Century Mexican Art and The Verge
Photograph by Javier Hinojosa. Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Archives, Banco de México, Fiduciary of the Trust of the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums. Museo Frida Kahlo.
As an act of rebellion against the popular manicured features of Hollywood film stars of the day, Kahlo used Revlon brow pencils to emphasise her full ‘unibrow’ look. She also used a french product called, Talika which encouraged hair growth on her brows and possibly on the faint markings of her moustache, both of which she wore with pride–you go girl!
A rare impromptu photo of Frida Kahlo with dog, taken by Kahlo’s close friend and artist, Lola Álvarez Bravo
Frida with hand earrings gifted to her from Pablo Picasso
Shop Frida Inspired Earrings:
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera With A Dog, Mexico City, 1952. (Photo by Marcel Sternberger/Courtesy Stephan Loewentheil/Getty Images)
“There have been two great accidents in my life. One was the trolley, and the other was Diego. Diego was by far the worst.”
What many people don’t know about Kahlo was the loss of her leg and her severe foot injury due to a terrible tram accident in Mexico City. Not only did this destroy her limb, but it killed her dreams of medical school. Later, she would suffer another horrendous incident when a handrail she was grasping broke off and pierced through the her torso, plunging to the other side of her body; ridding her hopes of bearing children later in life. With these new circumstances, Kahlo began her new life, embarking on a career as an artist, even while convalescing.
Kahlo’s embroidered leather boot with prosthetic leg. Photograph: Javier Hinojosa/ Diego Riviera and Frida Kahlo Archives, Banco de México, Fiduciary of the Trust of the Diego Riviera and Frida Kahlo Museums.
“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”
― Frida Kahlo
Under the Influence
Because of her severe casualties, Frida used fashion to mask her disabilities, selecting long flowing pleated ankle length dresses and skirts, with boxy embroidered tops which soon became her signature look. Even her ornate necklaces, colorful statement earrings and floral or ribboned headdresses would distract the eye upwards, instead of focusing downwards.
Frida on a rooftop in Greenwich Village New York taken March 1939. Photograph: Nickolas Muray
“I tried to drown my sorrows but the bastards learned how to swim.”
― Frida Kahlo
Shop Frida’s Look:
There is so much more to say about this iconic survivor, whose strength and individuality seemed far beyond her time. What do you know of Frida Kahlo? Is she inspiring to you? Let us know!
After reading this post I’ve realized how little I know about Frida Kahlo! I had no idea that she lost a foot and had that horrible hand rail accident. I love her stance on her facial hair as well. What a fasntastic female role model!
I’ve never really known much about Frida Kahlo, but she sounds like a true inspiration! It’s amazing how her accidents changed the direction of her life, but she never gave up and she still made her life hugely successful. Such an interesting post, I always learn something new from your blog, thanks for sharing Trace! <3 xx
This was so interesting! I didn’t know much about her either beside her signature look. I had no idea she lost a leg or the handrail incident. Sounds like she had quite a life, I’m sure the exhibit was very interesting x
I had no idea she lost her leg! She was such a badass and it’s so great to see that she is still to this day being celebrated. An icon for women no doubt.
I’ve seen Frida Kahlo so many times in Mexican marketplaces. It was interesting reading about the background of her story. I like that this is an example that there is more to just looks. The fact that she emphasizes these traits is interesting. She went through so much, and despite all of this, she still pulled through and made it big as an artist. This is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing her story!!
Excellent article Trace! I passed by a Frida Kahlo museum in Playa del Carmen, Mexico but unfortunately I didn’t check it out. She’s a very influential figure and I’m glad that I was able to learn more about her today 🙂
I learned about her life and struggles years ago but I found out more information on her recently. She has had a relationship with Leon Trotsky and possibly Josephine Baker.
After reading this post I’ve realized how little I know about Frida Kahlo! I had no idea that she lost a foot and had that horrible hand rail accident. I love her stance on her facial hair as well. What a fasntastic female role model!
You and me both, Sarah! She was a real trailblazer!
Trace x
I’ve never really known much about Frida Kahlo, but she sounds like a true inspiration! It’s amazing how her accidents changed the direction of her life, but she never gave up and she still made her life hugely successful. Such an interesting post, I always learn something new from your blog, thanks for sharing Trace! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Bexa! You made my day!
Trace x
This was so interesting! I didn’t know much about her either beside her signature look. I had no idea she lost a leg or the handrail incident. Sounds like she had quite a life, I’m sure the exhibit was very interesting x
Sophie
It really was worth the effort going there! She had such an incredible life.
Trace x
I had no idea she lost her leg! She was such a badass and it’s so great to see that she is still to this day being celebrated. An icon for women no doubt.
I absolutely agree! She was beyond her time!
Trace x
I’ve seen Frida Kahlo so many times in Mexican marketplaces. It was interesting reading about the background of her story. I like that this is an example that there is more to just looks. The fact that she emphasizes these traits is interesting. She went through so much, and despite all of this, she still pulled through and made it big as an artist. This is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing her story!!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Thanks Nancy. How nice, I would love to learn more about her in Mexico!
Trace x
Excellent article Trace! I passed by a Frida Kahlo museum in Playa del Carmen, Mexico but unfortunately I didn’t check it out. She’s a very influential figure and I’m glad that I was able to learn more about her today 🙂
I learned about her life and struggles years ago but I found out more information on her recently. She has had a relationship with Leon Trotsky and possibly Josephine Baker.
That is interesting! I know she had relationships with other women, but not with Josephine Baker.
Trace x
Would loooove to go to his exhibition, Frida Kahlo was such a queen!
Yes she absolutely was Amber!
Trace x
There is so much to this amazing lady that I didn’t know! Thank you for sharing this with us, especially if we can’t see the exhibition in person!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Trace x
I didn’t know much about Frida Kahlo so this was such an informative and interesting post!
☼ cabin twenty-four
Thanks so much! I learned a lot myself at the exhibit!
Trace x
This post was incredibly informative. I had heard a little about Frida before but now I know so much more. Thank you for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it Rosalie!
Trace x