Frida Kahlo's Construction of Identity: Disability, Ethnicity, and Dress

Overview

• Exhibition "Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving" at the de Young museum.
• Curated by Circe Henestrosa, uncovering Kahlo's identity through her wardrobe.

Rediscovery of Personal Items

• In 2003, a collection of Kahlo's belongings was rediscovered at the Blue House in Mexico City.
• Items included traditional Mexican clothing, garments from Guatemala and China, European and American blouses, jewelry, accessories, orthopedic devices, shoes, makeup, and notably 16 Tehuana blouses and 25 skirts personalized by Kahlo.

Cultural and Personal Significance

• Photograph of Kahlo's maternal family showed her mother in Tehuana attire, suggesting her connection to this style predates her relationship with Diego Rivera.
• Debunked the myth that Diego Rivera solely influenced Kahlo's adoption of Tehuana dress.

Frida Kahlo as a Cultural Icon

• Renowned as a bohemian artist and a cult figure in fashion and art.
• Known for her unibrow, Tehuana dress, and enigmatic presence.
• Her attire was carefully curated to reflect her identity and artistic persona.
• Kahlo's style caused mixed public reactions but was an integral part of her identity.

The Role of Disability

• Kahlo's clothing choices were influenced by her health struggles, including polio and a severe accident at 18.
• Long skirts and layered socks helped conceal her polio-affected leg.
• Decorated orthopedic devices, such as corsets and shoes, showcased her creativity and desire to blend functionality with style.

Intersection of Politics and Fashion

• Kahlo used clothing to express political beliefs and affirm her Mexican identity.
• The discovery of a family photograph highlighted her longstanding connection to traditional Mexican dress.
• Her attire was a blend of personal identity, political ideology, and response to disability.

Clothing as Self-Expression

• Kahlo's wardrobe included lightweight, breathable fabrics for comfort.
• The tripartite structure of the Tehuana dress drew attention away from her physical disabilities.
• Her use of traditional dress was intentional, balancing between self-affirmation and distraction.

Legacy and Interpretation

• Kahlo's fashion choices are studied to understand her personal narrative, political views, and aesthetic decisions.
• Clothing was a medium for Kahlo to navigate her identity, disability, and cultural heritage.
• Her wardrobe is not only a reflection of her personal struggles but also a broader commentary on identity and femininity.

Further Reading

• Suggested literature on Kahlo's art and identity exploring various scholarly perspectives.

These notes summarize the key themes and insights from the article on Frida Kahlo's construction of identity through disability, ethnicity, and dress, providing a framework for understanding her complex persona and enduring influence.