The fascinating, talented Frida Kahlo

When DJ asked what I wanted for Valentine's Day, I mentioned that I'd like to attend the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We attended the exhibit yesterday and I found it wonderful and thought-provoking.

It helps that Frida was a talented, strong, fascinating woman. Before her near-fatal bus accident, at the age of 18, Frida had made the decision to study to be a doctor. After the accident, when her physical condition made that desire impossible, she turned to her love of art and painting. Just think, if she had become a doctor, she may not have realized her full potential as an artist. Makes me think about the saying, "things happen for a reason."

This woman was able to transform her pain, physical and emotional, into beautiful artistic expressions. She is quoted as saying, "I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best." That is quite an insightful quote. Frida knew she was alone. Although she was married and mingled with many artists, politicians and friends, she was emotionally alone. This woman had the nerve to look at herself in a very harsh and critical light. How many of us could do that? I'll admit; not me.

Take a good look at the first picture above. The hummingbird, often a sign of luck and freedom, is dead and strung on a chain of thorned vines. The monkey, who while playing with necklace, is really strangling Frida, making her bleed. The cat looks on with quite a menacing look, giving the viewer the impression that he is stalking Frida. The second picture, The Two Fridas, depicts Frida as the woman Diego Rivera fell in love with and the Frida that existed at the time of this painting. On the right, she is portrayed as a strong woman in traditional Mexican dress, holding a picture of Diego as a child (symbolizing her devotion to him). On the left, she is viewed as having the same external physical qualities, but her heart is broken and, although trying to staunch the flow, she is slowly bleeding to death. You could stand in front of these paintings for tens of minutes and still not absorb all the detail and emotion.

This absolutely fascinating exhibit is at the Philadelphia Museum of Art until May 18th.