I went to the Frida Kahlo:
Making Herself Up exhibition last Saturday at the V&A. It was
beyond fabulous. Full of wonderful photographs, video of Frida drawing, her famous clothes,
make-up and even bottles of medicine. It was an intimate portrait of a
person who created despite having to deal with immense pain throughout
her life.
For me, the most touching exhibit was a pair of her
shoes, some beautifully made high heel lace ups with one toe cut out
because her foot had gangrene and removing the toe eased the pressure.
The toe of the shoe had been so carefully cut out so the shoe still
looked immaculate and wearable even though it had been vandalised. That
attention to detail illustrated to me how small details in life can
help ease the pain, in this case quite literally too. Indeed Frida
herself said "As long as I can paint I am happy to be alive."
You
weren't allowed to take photos in the actual exhibition so these are
some pics I took in the shop of the merchandise you could buy.