Wednesday 17 November 2010

Frida Kahlo

This is a beautiful book about the finding and restoration of Frida Kahlo's Clothes.She was  unique and not only was her work both stunning and horrifying but her personal appearance was an work of art in itself.
Here is a little taste of the look she created for herself. She lived with the artist Diego Rivera in The Casa Azul in Mexico.She sustained terrible injuries in a road accident and suffered horribly all her life from the aftermath of this . However she was a determined and courageous woman who left her mark in art and fashion. She and Diego were commited Communists at a time when it seemed the only hope for the poor and suffering of the world.
She was desperate to have a child but her injuries caused her to miscarry.
 This lace dress is exquisite
These are small bags in Mexican designs.

She used delicate enbroidery and bold  contrasting colours and fabrics to create her own style.




Frida suffered from her injururies and had to wear some horrific corsets and trappings.



 She was confined to her bed for long periods and her bedroom was therefore a special place for her.She woul entertain her friends there and read.


Here are some more images , the skill and  fine needle craft that went into these creations is astounding.




I hope this post will  inspire you to look at Frida Kahlo's work and perhaps visit her Casa Azul in Mexico which is open to the public and where you can see these wonderfully restored clothes.The use of folk art is especially fascinating and tied in with Frida's politics because the skill is that of the people and an expression of the Mexican identity.
 Another one of the inspiring women that will crop up on my blog!!!!!

10 comments:

  1. I absolutely must have this book! I've been in love with Frida's work since I was a youngster -- she's been a big inspiration to me through the years. She was such a unique woman. Thanks for posting this!

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  2. Thanks Girls! Fala I expect you can get this book via amazon.I just came across it in our local Waterstones bookshop.I am amazed by her life and work and have read a biography ,we also have some great books of her paintings in the library where I work.I want to do a post on Georgia O Keefe who is another great artist. have a good day!

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  3. Thanks for sharing this. There are things here that I never knew about her. I found the leg brace so fascinating, she made an ugly yet needed thing beautiful.

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  4. Really interesting stuff - I've never appreciated the art in her wardrobe before - I really enjoyed seeing these images

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  5. Thanks for your comments,glad you liked the post.

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  6. Fascinating post, learnt a lot about this amazing woman, thanks Angela;)

    pamela x

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  7. Have you read Barbara Kingsolver's novel The Lacuna? It's a terrific book, centered on the Kahlo/Rivera household.

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  8. Angela, thank you for sharing this. I recently watched the film of Frieda's life. Such an amazing & courageous woman, i admire her greatly. The clothing she wore was such a reflection of the person she was, i shall be fascinated to read this book x

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  9. What a marvellous book!
    Frida Kahlo was such a huge influence on me when I was in my late teens, early twenties. Amazing woman.

    Looking forward to reading The Lacuna too!

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