City of Greater Bendigo, Media Release, 17 March 2025
Never before seen in Australia and direct from Mexico’s Museo Frida Kahlo, the Frida Kahlo: In her own image exhibition is now open at Bendigo Art Gallery!
Following her death in 1954, Frida’s husband Diego Rivera arranged for her cherished family home, the Casa Azul (the Blue House) to be preserved as a museum in her honour, as a gift to the people of Mexico. It was 50 years before the bathroom storing her belongings was unsealed to reveal Kahlo’s precious items. This collection provides an intimate insight into Kahlo’s life, her creative style, and her distinctive worldview.
Some exhibition highlights include:
- Traditional regional Mexican garments worn by Kahlo
- A collection of Kahlo’s favourite Revlon cosmetics that she used to make her features more prominent
- Medical corsets decorated by Kahlo following a devastating traffic accident
- A self-portrait titled Appearances Can be Deceiving that depicts an x-ray view of Kahlo’s injured body
In addition, the exhibition includes one of Kahlo’s paintings titled Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird (1940), on loan from the Harry Ransom Center at the University Texas, Austin. This is on display for the first time in Australia, and considered to be one of Kahlo’s best works.
Another piece of work that has never been displayed in Australia is Still Life with Parrot and Fruit (1951), which features a large watermelon, a symbol of Mexican culture and art.
There is plenty more to see at this exhibition! Items will be on display until Sunday July 13.
