The Frida Kahlo Experience

One of the highlights of my trip to Mexico City was visiting the Frida Kahlo museum, where Frida grew up and where she spent much of her life with Diego Rivera.  I have been dreaming about visiting the museum, and it was ten times better than I ever could have imagined.  The thing is, Frida’s artwork is so powerful and provocative that it almost requires being viewed in person.  There is an emotional vibrancy to it that is nearly impossible to connect with unless you see it with your own eyes. While that may not ring true for everyone, that was definitely my experience.  Her contribution to feminism and art is profound, to say the least.  I paid extra for the audio tour and a photography pass, and here is what Darryl and I captured.

I believe this photo was taken by Frida’s father, who was a photographer.

Frida painting the Communist Leon Trotsky

Pics of Frida and Diego

Frida and Diego’s collection of arts and crafts were present and in tact throughout the colorful house.

This is the room Diego Rivera slept in after their divorce.  For those who don’t know, they divorced after Frida found out that Diego was cheating on her with her own sister.  But, they later remarried.

Loved the paper mache’ body hanging on the wall, as well as the old Mexican tree of life sitting between the two shelves.

DREAM KITCHEN.  I want to recreate the countertop and stove area with tiles.  I kept thinking about my girl Heather while I was marveling at this room.

Look at all that pottery for cooking with!

This was Frida’s wheelchair and easel she used for painting.

Frida’s sketchbook.  I was so impressed with how preserved her things were at the museum. Seriously, how cool is it to be able to view a page from her sketchbook?

Frida’s collection of sparkle!

Her pigments and brushes

One of her decorated torso casts she had to wear

Her typical Mexican attire

This is the bed she would lie in to paint.  You’ll notice the mirror above.  On the bed is a rebozo, a Mexican shawl that is covering a mold of her face.

And this was Frida’s bed

Her treasures, next to an urn with her ashes

A brace to support her torso

This drawing by Frida was my favorite piece.  It represents the betrayal of Diego and his constant philandering with women.  Intense, yes, but pretty prolific for a woman to create a representation of this kind during that time.  She was fearless, that one.