To Frida Kahlo, the artist who refused to surrender to all that life threw at her

We all recognize her iconic figure, with the unibrow, the flowers in her hair, and the fabulous embroidery in her clothes. Yes, we’re talking about Frida Kahlo. She is one of the most influential artists of all time who refused to surrender to all that life threw at her. 

Besides her iconic style, Kahlo is considered as a selfie trendsetter even before the age of social media since she is well-known for her self-portraits. Throughout her life, she painted 55 self-portraits. Though Kahlo has experienced many happy times, her life was filled with tragedies since young. She suffered severe, chronic illness that impacted her in numerous ways resulted in her spending most of her time in bed. To kill boredom and to take care of her wellbeing, Frida’s mother provided her with a specially-made easel which enabled her to paint in bed with the oil paints lent by her father. Frida had a mirror placed above the easel, so that she could see herself and was able to paint a self-portrait. Kahlo loved painting a self-portrait as she explained,

“I paint myself because I am often alone and I am the subject I know best.” 

Kahlo married Diego Rivera who was one of the most successful artists in Mexico. He encouraged Frida and helped her develop her artistic style. Due to her talent for painting along with the support from her family and husband, Kahlo’s works were taken to France where she met several world-renowned artists including Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. 

After coming back from France, she was invited to teach at the new experimental art school La Esmeralda. In her first solo exhibition in Mexico, Frida’s health was very frail and doctors told her not to attend. However, Kahlo amazed everyone as  she appeared in the exhibition on a hospital stretcher. The exhibition was an amazing success.

In today’s society, Kahlo is everything we want her to be and her works remain influential today. In remembering Frida Kahlo on the anniversary of her passing, Spanish photographer, Eugenio Recuenco presents this renowned artist in a photograph of 14 July in the 365°exhibition though Frida died on 13 July 1954 in Mexico.

During this difficult time, we hope that you might be inspired by the story of Frida Kahlo who fought against all odds. 

We look forward to welcome you back to 365°exhibition as soon as we reopen following further notice by the government.  

To commemorate Frida Kahlo, the Gallery Shop presents Frida Kahlo themed souvenirs including Frida Kahlo (Little Guides to Great Lives), Frida Kahlo Postcards and Frida Catlo Artsy Cats 100.

Shop now via our online stores at Shopee https://shp.ee/8q4qgkn  or www.rivercitybangkok.com

Have a question about products or promotions at The Gallery Shop? Please contact us through Line ID: thegalleryshop

RCB Friends receive a 10% discount when purchasing Frida Kahlo themed souvenirs and other products from The Gallery Shop. If you are not yet a RCB Friend, register for free here https://forms.gle/pmwC65fX1ACD3QbK6