Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image

A little while ago, my mum and I travelled to the Bendigo Art Gallery to visit the most wonderful exhibition 'Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image'.

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her deeply personal and surrealist works that explored themes of identity, pain, and Mexican culture. 

Born in 1907, Kahlo's life was marked by both physical and emotional hardship. At the age of 18, she was severely injured in a bus accident, leaving her with lifelong health issues and leading to numerous surgeries and hospitalisations. 

During her recovery, Kahlo began painting, often creating self-portraits that conveyed her intense physical and emotional pain. Her work blends elements of Mexican folk art with surrealism, and her vibrant use of colour and symbolism often highlights her heritage.

 Kahlo's art delves into themes of personal suffering, love, and loss, reflecting her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera. Despite facing many challenges, Kahlo became an icon of resilience and empowerment, and her influence continues to resonate in both art and activism today.

To celebrate Frida, my mum and I decided to wear our best Mexican embroidered dresses and floral hair pieces for the occasion. I love Frida Kahlo for all she symbolises. I love how she persevered despite suffering to live life to the fullest and on her own times.

Being a lover of clothes, I really enjoyed seeing a collection of Frida's own wardrobe, handbags and necklaces that she put together herself! Her Mexican outfits are so beautiful.

Being an embroiderer myself, I loved this embroidered, floral shirt.












Her style is unique for its use of colour, layers of jewellery and fresh flowers from her garden.









Here are some of her personal items such as perfumes, Ponds skin cream, nail polishes, blush and lipsticks.




This self portrait of Frida was so beautiful, with lots of intricate painting strokes.


Her 1944 -1954 diary recorded her feelings, memories and thought processes of the final decade of her life. In the diary, she copied sections of letters she had scribed to friends and lovers. She utilised Surrealist techniques to reflect her emotions and ideas. 


It was a truly creative and inspiring exhibition that left me excited to be creative in every way possible - through paintings, clothing, journals, drawings. It also made me think about our belongings and all the things we leave behind when we pass.


Are you an admirer of Frida?
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Comments

  1. Polyester Princess22 July, 2025

    What an amazing exhibition documenting the life of this amazing woman! I love it that the exhibition also included a collection of Frida's own wardrobe. And you and your Mum are looking splendid in your Mexican frocks, which couldn't have been a better choice! xxx

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