DEFYING DEFINITION: THE JUDGEMENT OF FRIDA KAHLO AND BAYA MAHIEDDINE

 She's My Muse | Jaime Meier

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Baya, Femme attablées | Source

Art institutions often organize their permanent collection around a timeline, location, or similar genre of art. While this approach can be helpful for the visitor, assigning a genre to female artists of colour can often fail to adequately capture their identity and artistic practice. Artistic styles, such as impressionism or cubism, are not assigned based on style alone, but are informed by ideals enforced by colonialism and identity politics. Such is the case with Frida Kahlo and Baya Mahieddine, two talented artists who, despite subverting definition, are entwined within the genres of surrealism and primitivism. 

Surrealism was an artistic movement that focused on interpreting the human experience through exploring the subconscious and dreams and rejecting rationality. The surrealist style of painting relied on the colonial gaze as a lens to view and appropriate non-white cultures. The pioneers of surrealism, such as André Breton, were not simply painting and writing about dreams, but sought "inspiration" from peoples in the Americas, South Pacific, and Africa — all of which were considered to be "primitive." Non-white cultures were incorrectly viewed as simpler and without the societal restrictions that the surrealists intended to free themselves from. While the white men of surrealism looked to other cultures, women of colour associated with surrealism looked to express their own cultures. 

Frida Kahlo, Las Dos Fridas | Source

Frida Kahlo is well known for her colourful paintings that use cultural references to depict major events in her life. Art was a therapeutic way for Kahlo to process her memories of the Mexican Revolution, medical issues that permanently disabled her, a tumultuous marriage, and difficult miscarriages. Breton took a special interest in Kahlo and included her work in the International Exhibition of Surrealist Art in Mexico City. Kahlo ultimately rejected the title of "Surrealist," as they painted dreams and Kahlo painted her reality. Instead of allowing her lived experiences to be interpreted and given meaning by white men, Kahlo turned away from the European tradition and embraced the identity of a naïve painter, a genre that was often used to demean self-taught artists and associate them with primitivism. 

Similar to Kahlo, Baya Mahieddine had her art narrowly defined by Breton as surrealism. Baya was a talented painter from Algeria and was cared for by her grandmother until adopted by the French intellectual and art collector, Marguerite Camina Benhoura. Art historians are conflicted about whether it was a familial adoption or if Baya was hired to work alongside her grandmother, who was already employed by Benhoura as a maid. Regardless of the relationship, Benhoura was aware of Baya's talent and supported her efforts, ultimately resulting in her first exhibition in Paris at only 16 years old. 

Portrait of Baya alongside her painting Femme robe jaune cheveux bleus | Source

Baya's colourful paintings of fellow Algerian women caught the eyes of Pablo Picasso and André Breton. Picasso was thought to be inspired by her aesthetic, specifically Baya's line-work and use of colour. He invited her to work with him and lead him to create the "Women of Algeria" series. While Picasso had an appreciation for Baya, he would refer to her as "La Berbère," which denoted her ethnic origin, which seems to speak more to Picasso's fascination and exploitation of African cultures for personal gain rather than a respect for them. Breton was also considered to be a supporter of Baya, but in his writings he referred to her art as "childlike" and "primitive." Throughout her career, Baya refused to associate herself with one genre of art as the definitions provided were a way of examining her instead of understanding her art. 

Categorizations of art can be a helpful interpretation method for visitors or a systematic way for museums to exhibit their collections. However, it is important to keep in mind the conditions that formed organizational systems and their lasting implications on the art and artists they capture. Through neatly defined artistic genres, women inspired by their homelands were called or claimed to be primitivists, while the men whose countries had colonized and appropriated their cultures were surrealists.

IT'S FRIDA FRIDAY

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

BY: CASARINA HOCEVAR

This week’s #FlashbackFriday is turning into #FridaFriday, to honour one of my favourite historical ladies, Frida Kahlo. Given last Friday, July 6th was Kahlo’s birthday, and today marks the 64th anniversary of her death, the timing coincides well for #FridaFriday. Frida's image is continually replicated in art and pop culture. The colourful outfits, elaborately braided hair, and unibrow matched together on t-shirts, earrings, in street art, as costumes and as fashion-inspiration, are familiar tributes to her recognizable imagery. However, despite her repetitive cultural image, the details of her life and the narratives weaved into her art are often overlooked. This #FlashbackFriday hopes to illustrate a bit more about this revolutionary lady.

Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo Calderón a los 12 años. #fridakahlo #museos #museoscdmx #museum

A post shared by Museo Frida Kahlo (@museofridakahlo) on Dec 17, 2016 at 5:22pm PST

Born in Coyoacán (Mexico City) on July 6th, 1907 as Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo Calderón, Frida grew up with her father, Guillermo (Wilhelm), her mother, Matilde, and her three sisters, Matilde, Adriana, and Cristina. Frida also had two elder, half-sisters from her father’s first marriage. Due to financial difficulties and ongoing health issues, Frida’s early life was turbulent. Throughout those years, both her parents had health problems that disrupted the steadiness of their life. At the age of six, Frida was diagnosed with polio, the result of which would be the imbalance in her legs, delayed education, and bullying by peers.

Yet, despite these trails, Frida was an active, curious and energetic girl, and at times, rebellious. As part of her polio recovery, she became physically active, despite the unusualness for girls to be playing sports. She enjoyed aiding her father with his photography, and was known to carry a tense relationship with her devout mother as she skipped out on her catechism. She excelled at school, and intended to study medicine. Throughout her teens, she became politically conscious and active. Meanwhile, she also engaged herself in drawing, poetry, and worked for a family friend, as an engraver’s apprentice.

In September of 1925, Frida and her long-time boyfriend, Alejandro Gómez Arias, were in a severe bus accident, resulting in Frida being bedridden for several months. The injuries would prove to have life-altering consequences, as three of her spinal discs were dislocated, and numerous bones had been fractured. The pain, and the time and money spent in recovery, would limit her educational pursuits and further distressed the struggle of the Kahlo Calderón family. Even with her recovery, the impact of her injuries would linger onward throughout her life.

While Frida was still recovering, she quickly resumed working, concerned for her family. It would be in this new period, her relationship with Diego Rivera would blossom (they had previously met on brief occasions in her teens). A seemingly unlikely couple, Rivera reportedly admired and respected Kahlo’s opinion; Kahlo was intently interested in Rivera’s work and politics. They married in 1929, divorced in 1939 and remarried again a year later. Their relationship was rocky and emotionally intense, as Rivera’s infamous womanizing continued, Kahlo suffered from multiple miscarriages and the couple moved throughout the United States.

"Jamás en toda la vida, olvidaré tu presencia. Me acogiste destrozada y me devolviste integra, entera". #FridaKahlo #DiegoRivera #museoscdmx #museum #museo #valentinesday #sanvalentin

A post shared by Museo Frida Kahlo (@museofridakahlo) on Feb 14, 2017 at 5:28pm PST

Kahlo also engaged in her own extramarital affairs (including purported affairs with Georgia O’Keefe and later, Leon Trotsky), throughout both marriages, and continued to remain politically active in spite of her health problems. Regardless of her turbulent life, Frida seemed inexhaustible in her work, politics and personal life, which were often entangled.

"El Marxismo dará salud a los enfermos". (1954) #FridaKahlo #Art #Painter #Painting #Artist #México

A post shared by Frida Kahlo (@fridakahlo) on Mar 1, 2018 at 5:59am PST

Frida was an active member of the Communist Party, and her politics, like her relationships, were illustrated throughout her paintings. Notably, her and Rivera, hosted Leon Trotsky and his wife, Natalia, while they sought asylum. Her political consciousness continued up until her death, where she participated in a political march only a couple weeks before her death, despite her poor health.

The latter years of her life were marked with increasingly persistent health complications, which contributed to bouts of depression and anxiety. In 1953, her right leg was amputated due to infection, commencing a downward period in her mental well-being before her death on July 13th of 1954.

"Ácido y tierno, duro como el hierro y delicado y fino como el ala de mariposa, adorable como una hermosa sonrisa, profundo y cruel como lo mas implacable de la vida." #FridaKahlo #Legend #Mexico #Artist #Painter #Photography

A post shared by Frida Kahlo (@fridakahlo) on May 18, 2018 at 6:24am PDT

Frida’s legacy is vibrant with her dedication to Mexico, her experimentation in personal style, both in fashion and in art, her prolific letter writing, her integration of ex-votos, portraiture and still life, political activism and of course, her passionate love.

Frida's life has been written about extensively. Her home in Mexico City, known as the Blue House was made into a museum and is still open today for guests to visit.

ICONIC FASHIONS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

SEW WHAT

BY: JESSICA SVENNINGSON

Iconic people are often marked by their iconic clothing. Once these people are no longer wear those fashions – have you ever wondered what happened to their fashion items? Most of these find their ways into museums – lets look at 5 of the world’s iconic fashion items and where they are now.

Jackie Kennedy's Watermelon Pink Suit

Jackie Kennedy arriving at John F. Kennedy's
Inauguration.  Source

Jackie Kennedy was an American style icon. The outfit she is most known for was her watermelon pink Coco Chanel suit and matching pillbox hat she wore the day her husband John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. The pink suit was covered in John F. Kennedy’s blood, and despite repeated suggestions to change her clothes, Jackie Kennedy refused and said, “No, let them see what they’ve done”. When Jackie finally stepped out of the suit, it was collected and preserved by the National Archives in Maryland. Stored there out of sight, the suit is under the purview of the Kennedy family, who have confirmed it will not be publicly displayed until 2103.

Frida Kahlo’s Booted Prosthetic Leg

Frida Kahlo's prosthetic leg on display at the
 V&A.  Source

Frida Kahlo, famous feminist artist and proliferate supporter of Mexican culture, is often coloured by her tragic story of a near-fatal bus accident that severely compromised her spine, which later led to extended bed rest and leg amputation. In classically radical and rebellious fashion, Frida wouldn’t let her physical issues prevent her from leading an extraordinary life. She would adorn herself with vibrant colours central to Mexican culture, fill her home with gardens and exotic pets, paint herself with bright makeup, and cover her hair with flowers. When she was given a prosthetic leg, she strapped a beautiful red boot to it, making it as beautiful as the clothing she wore.

When Frida died in 1954 at the age of 47, husband Diego Rivera locked away all her possessions with instructions to never touch them until after his death, over 50 years later. The collection was opened in 2004, revealing a treasure trove of items like makeup, clothing, jewelry, and intimate possessions which Frida had used to construct her identity. The collection is currently being exhibited at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England. The exhibit explores how Frida empowered herself using art, clothing and style during the most difficult times in her life.

Ginger Spice’s Union Jack Platform Boots

Ginger Spice's shoes on display at the Bata
Shoe Museum. Source

Geri Halliwell, or better known as Ginger Spice, was known for her wild outfits and love for the British Union Jack. Along with her Union Jack “little Gucci dress,” Ginger and the other four Spice Girls loved to wear platform boots. This pair of Union Jack platform boots was worn by Ginger Spice during the Spice World movie, and now currently lives at the Bata Shoe Museum. The boots are presently in storage but will periodically be featured in the Bata’s shoes of famous people exhibit on the first floor of the museum.

Abraham Lincoln’s Stovepipe Top Hat

Abraham Lincoln's hat on display at the Smithsonian
 Institution. Source

Despite Lincoln’s 6’4” height, he wore a tall stovepipe top hat to accentuate his height even further, which became a critical piece of political identity during his time as the 16^th President of the United States. The most famous of his hats was the one he wore the night he was assassinated at the Ford’s Theatre on April 14^th, 1865. That hat was sitting on the ground beside Lincoln before he was shot, and the hat and the chair Lincoln was in were quickly removed after the murder by the War Department to be used as evidence during the shooter’s trial. The hat was donated to the Smithsonian Institution as part of the Lincoln Memorial Association Collection and has been known to go on display – as seen here.

John Lennon's spectacles. Source

John Lennon’s Spectacles 

John Lennon’s iconic style was often associated with a seemingly practical fashion item – his metal-rimmed eye glasses. These glasses, along with more than 100 other priceless items belonging to Lennon, such as three diaries (including one recounting the last days before his murder), original records of Beatles songs, a cigarette case, and a hand-written music score, were stolen out the window of Yoko Ono’s New York City apartment in 2006. The thieves had apparently reached through the open window, stolen the items, and transported them to Germany where police found them in a bankrupt auction house’s care in 2017. The spectacles are now back in the care of Yoko Ono, however, the other 100 plus items are still being investigated.

Fashion not only is a tool to define who we are as individuals, but a way to create a public identity to be known for. These iconic fashion items were an integral part of each person's public identity - becoming a part of who they are. The object's life can sometimes become as interesting as the person who once owned them, like John Lennon's glasses, which is why they find their ways into museums. They act almost like a stand-in for the person themself, and as an example of how interesting the life of an object, who out lives the person who once owned them, can be.