Thanks for this. I have not explored the Mayan culture sufficiently although they and the Aztecs are fascinating for what they did and what they contributed and left behind.
I was singularly impressed with a visit to Frida's home (now museum) in Mexico City several years ago and whenever I see her image, her life rises up like the icon she is.
You’re CD very welcome! I love writing about the Maya. Plenty more to come. And truly, Frida was a creator and artistic genius. Hope you like Part 2 coming Friday, July 5. Thanks for your comment ms.
Well, My dear friend you are forcing me to Go to the library and look up more of her beautiful paintings. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and love of life and Mexico. Love you 💜
A gallant and soulful creator. At her house outside Mexico City, I saw the intricately carved bed that doubled as her studio during long periods of infirmity. That said it all.
I have been a lover of Frida Kahlo's work and life--her example of tenacity and strength. She never shied away from exposing her most vulnerable aspects I think so she could demonstrate the human spirit, and will to overcome. And she overcame not just physical hurdles but she overcame HIM. She suffered greatly at his hands but learned from him and it seems she prevailed because I think her work is more widely recognized than his. No dismissal of the importance and impact of Rivera's art but Frida's touches a place in the heart, especially the hearts of women. I think with sadness of Camille Claudel and how she suffered through her relationship with Rodin. There is a list of these women artists who out of love, need for a springboard into the closed world of men, any number of reasons have suffered much. Thanks, Jeanine for celebrating the great Frida Kahlo.
So so true— the ‘woman behind the man.’ I think Friday survived possibly first and foremost due to an unbreakable and loving bond with her parents. Part 2 goes into family things. Her relationship with Rivera was so many things but they both relied on the other for critique and guidance. She was probably an old soul in a young body. Clever, engaging, intelligent, striking, strong, beautiful, funny, flamboyant and always steps ahead of the rest of the world. And loyal. I would imagine young men of her age wouldn’t cut it. Imho they needed each other. And his position in the world, at that time more famous than Picasso (!) opened doors for her, along, of course, with her oversized talent. And his talents took them far and wide, offering up new vistas to a young and inquiring mind.
Part of what I think makes Frida special is that she pointed for herself. Now that I am in South America, I still see imagen of Frida everywhere. Yes, you see her imagen on everything - tote bags, t-shirts - probably more than any other artist. I think this is because her art is so accesible. It leads it's self to being reproduced like that. Ot is just so beautiful and exotic.
I know who Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are--I've seen his murals in Mexico and would recognize her art immediately because it is so distinctive. But I don't really know much about who they were as people. So I am looking forward to your next post!
Beautiful overview of Frida and especially that last paragraph that lists all her amazing characteristics, and how brave she was and how grateful we are that she shared so much with the world. She was a gift to the world.
OK, I can't resist adding an astrological interpretation to this! So, Kahlo had her Venus (the planet of creativity, artistic sensibility, beauty) and her Pluto (planet of power, will, influence) in the 11th House, which is the house of hopes, ideals, and one's audience. She was literally meant to be known and appreciated for her artistic sensibilities! And her art (Venus) continues to influence (Pluto) mass amounts of people who align with her ideals and visions (11th House).
I’ve always been intrigued by her art but never knew her story until I visited Casa Azule in CDMX. I was so moved to learn about her and see her desk and bed and urn. What a powerful woman!
She suffered so much. She created so much. She's the real deal. Part of me hates that she's on everything from pillowcases to mugs in Frida overexposure but damn. The other part of me just wants to put down shots of mezcal with her in an alternate universe. What a brave woman. She spit on fear. She rocked the unibrow. She's a queen.
It’s so true. It’s like she exploded onto the scene and just never left. Like the world was finally paying her her dues—including overtime. I too love her. And frankly, it’s pretty cool everyone (well, almost) knows who Frida is. I do love that she had such an extraordinary loving family (that’s coming in part 2).
Many in the art community dismiss Frida Kahlo as "too popular" (if she's so popular, she is obviously not "edgy" enough), but I see that as an affectation. Frida was an amazing talent and a true trailblazer. That she was able to gift the world her colorful and surrealistic paintings while in a condition of chronic, lifelong suffering is an attestation to the magnitude of her life force and her commitment to creative expression. Thanks for keeping the story alive - looking forward to part 2!
Thanks for this. I have not explored the Mayan culture sufficiently although they and the Aztecs are fascinating for what they did and what they contributed and left behind.
I was singularly impressed with a visit to Frida's home (now museum) in Mexico City several years ago and whenever I see her image, her life rises up like the icon she is.
You’re CD very welcome! I love writing about the Maya. Plenty more to come. And truly, Frida was a creator and artistic genius. Hope you like Part 2 coming Friday, July 5. Thanks for your comment ms.
Well, My dear friend you are forcing me to Go to the library and look up more of her beautiful paintings. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and love of life and Mexico. Love you 💜
Thank you! More coming Friday with Part2!
A gallant and soulful creator. At her house outside Mexico City, I saw the intricately carved bed that doubled as her studio during long periods of infirmity. That said it all.
So true. Gallant and soulful. Great description. And she simply pressed on.
I have been a lover of Frida Kahlo's work and life--her example of tenacity and strength. She never shied away from exposing her most vulnerable aspects I think so she could demonstrate the human spirit, and will to overcome. And she overcame not just physical hurdles but she overcame HIM. She suffered greatly at his hands but learned from him and it seems she prevailed because I think her work is more widely recognized than his. No dismissal of the importance and impact of Rivera's art but Frida's touches a place in the heart, especially the hearts of women. I think with sadness of Camille Claudel and how she suffered through her relationship with Rodin. There is a list of these women artists who out of love, need for a springboard into the closed world of men, any number of reasons have suffered much. Thanks, Jeanine for celebrating the great Frida Kahlo.
So so true— the ‘woman behind the man.’ I think Friday survived possibly first and foremost due to an unbreakable and loving bond with her parents. Part 2 goes into family things. Her relationship with Rivera was so many things but they both relied on the other for critique and guidance. She was probably an old soul in a young body. Clever, engaging, intelligent, striking, strong, beautiful, funny, flamboyant and always steps ahead of the rest of the world. And loyal. I would imagine young men of her age wouldn’t cut it. Imho they needed each other. And his position in the world, at that time more famous than Picasso (!) opened doors for her, along, of course, with her oversized talent. And his talents took them far and wide, offering up new vistas to a young and inquiring mind.
Part of what I think makes Frida special is that she pointed for herself. Now that I am in South America, I still see imagen of Frida everywhere. Yes, you see her imagen on everything - tote bags, t-shirts - probably more than any other artist. I think this is because her art is so accesible. It leads it's self to being reproduced like that. Ot is just so beautiful and exotic.
You’re right, she is very accessible and truly, beautiful and exotic! Stay tuned for Part 2 next Friday. And enjoy South America!
Thank you for introducing me to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, looking forward to reading more details about them.
You’re very welcome, Tinashe! She (and he) had very interesting and creative lives. Stay tuned for Part 2!
I know who Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are--I've seen his murals in Mexico and would recognize her art immediately because it is so distinctive. But I don't really know much about who they were as people. So I am looking forward to your next post!
So glad you are along for the ride! And their adventures. Thanks for reading, Clarice!
Thanks Diana, for the restack!
Beautiful overview of Frida and especially that last paragraph that lists all her amazing characteristics, and how brave she was and how grateful we are that she shared so much with the world. She was a gift to the world.
Oh thank you Barbra. She was a gift and we were lucky she was here.
OK, I can't resist adding an astrological interpretation to this! So, Kahlo had her Venus (the planet of creativity, artistic sensibility, beauty) and her Pluto (planet of power, will, influence) in the 11th House, which is the house of hopes, ideals, and one's audience. She was literally meant to be known and appreciated for her artistic sensibilities! And her art (Venus) continues to influence (Pluto) mass amounts of people who align with her ideals and visions (11th House).
Just saw this!!
Just looked her up—Venus and Pluto in Gemini conjunct at 23. Estellium in 12th—Cancer. Leo ascendant (but of course)!
She's truly got a FASCINATING birth chart! Her Sun opposes her Mars; Saturn squares Venus & Pluto...
As well she would, right??? Oh, degree of fame! Fascinating.
Oh Camille, love this! In what sign for Venus and Pluto? Were they conjunct! Different signs? I could look it up but easier to ask you ):
She also had Venus & Pluto sextile her Leo Ascendant, AND had her Moon in Taurus at 29 degrees (a FAME degree) in the 10th House.
Yes, and heavy 12th. In Cancer…
They were conjunct in Gemini!!!
I’ve always been intrigued by her art but never knew her story until I visited Casa Azule in CDMX. I was so moved to learn about her and see her desk and bed and urn. What a powerful woman!
Truly. An amazing story of living through adversity and becoming creative in spite of it, using it as a catalyst. An inspired human for sure.
Truly lovely tribute to one of my most favorite Latina artists. Many thanks for all that you do, Jeanine.
Glad you liked it, thanks Rachel!
Thanks so much, Rachel!!
Oh, I too love Frida! What a total badass she was. Great piece.
Thanks Holly. Yes, she certainly was.
So inspiring! Thank you, Jeanine!
Thank you, Priya. I love writing about one of my favorite historical people.
She suffered so much. She created so much. She's the real deal. Part of me hates that she's on everything from pillowcases to mugs in Frida overexposure but damn. The other part of me just wants to put down shots of mezcal with her in an alternate universe. What a brave woman. She spit on fear. She rocked the unibrow. She's a queen.
It’s so true. It’s like she exploded onto the scene and just never left. Like the world was finally paying her her dues—including overtime. I too love her. And frankly, it’s pretty cool everyone (well, almost) knows who Frida is. I do love that she had such an extraordinary loving family (that’s coming in part 2).
Many in the art community dismiss Frida Kahlo as "too popular" (if she's so popular, she is obviously not "edgy" enough), but I see that as an affectation. Frida was an amazing talent and a true trailblazer. That she was able to gift the world her colorful and surrealistic paintings while in a condition of chronic, lifelong suffering is an attestation to the magnitude of her life force and her commitment to creative expression. Thanks for keeping the story alive - looking forward to part 2!
Oh thank you, Mike. I so agree. It was like she exploded overnight. Reading about her, realize how much she went through and kept on going.