“She’s here. Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s iconic face now graces the walls at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in “Frida: Beyond the Myth,” opening this weekend.
Kahlo is one of the most recognized and memorable artists of the 20th century, known for her mesmerizing self-portraits and her strong, unibrowed stare.
“Beyond the Myth” explores what lies behind Kahlo’s powerful gaze.
Born in Coyoacán, Mexico, Kahlo faced significant physical pain throughout her life. A traumatic bus accident at age 18 left her with various medical complications, prompting her to express themes of suffering and identity in her work.
“I’m excited about Frida, because I think she found a way to overcome the personal tragedy of her life and live a very full life through art,” VMFA artistic director Michael Taylor said.
Self Portrait along the Border Line between Mexico and the United States
For close up views and an interpretation of this painting click here.
Documentary
Watch the 2024 documentary about the artist’s life, titled Frida, on Amazon Prime Video.
Quotes
The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.
I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.
I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best.
I hope the exit is joyful and I hope never to return.
Grouse post! Made my day so much better.
So well expressed.