This Saturday 16th June, the Victoria and Albert Museum will be opening an exhibition showcasing the personal artefacts of celebrated Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The exhibition is the first of its kind to showcase personal items of Kahlo outside of Mexico and will run until Sunday 4th November.
Born at the turn of the 20th century, Kahlo described her childhood as turbulent, enduring the unhappy marriage of her parents, family illnesses and contracting polio at the age of six which made her right leg shorter and visibly thinner than her left. Although isolated from her peers during these years of sickness, Kahlo continued to excel academically showing a keen interest in Mexican indigenous heritage and politics. Her dreams of studying medicine were cut short when in 1925 she was involved in a serious bus accident which killed a number of passengers and left Kahlo with debilitating back pain for the rest of her life.
During her recovery, Kahlo turned to art as a way of exploring identity and existence. Her artwork features self portraits considered dark and thought provoking. Many of her pieces feature elements of surrealism showing the pain and suffering she endured as a result of her spinal injury. Other pieces Kahlo created include bright bold colours which show the artist’s style and love of traditional Mexican culture.
Her personal style is characterised by her traditional finely embroided clothing in vibrant colours, bold red painted lips and excessive decorative jewels. The Frida Kahlo exhibition promises to display a number of the iconic belongings of this female icon, including items from her personal jewellery collection.
Inspired by the unparalleled fashion of Frida Kahlo? At Berganza we have chosen a selection of exquisite jewels which are representative of her style. Visit us instore or online to secure a unique ancient, antique or vintage piece today.