Frida by Ishiuchi Miyako

Nice little exhibition at the Michael Hoppen Gallery of photographs by Ishiuchi Miyako of the possessions of Frida Kahlo.

Following Kahlo's death in 1954 her husband Diego Rivera placed her personal effects into the bathroom of their Mexico City house which later became the Museo Frida Kahlo. He gave instructions that this room should remain sealed until fifteen years after his death and it remained unopened until 2004 when the museum decided to organise and catalogue the contents. Ishiuchi Miyako was invited to photograph these artefacts. 

The photos were displayed in a large format at the colours were as bright as Frida’s pictures. It was fascinating to see pictures of her iconic clothes and see how those complex looking outfits fitted together. It was also touching to see picture of personal items such as sunglasses and her artificial leg complete with red decorated boot.

The show and accompanying book felt like a study of whether you could create a portrait of someone via pictures of their possessions. It made me reflect on what pictures of my stuff would say about me, you never know it might even make me tidy up and thrown some of it out!

Review
Telegraph

 

 

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