Frida, Girl with death mask, 1938 by Atelier Liesjes

About "Frida, Girl with death mask, 1938"

by Atelier Liesjes

About the artwork

Frida was a female painter who represented Mexican modern art, and her reputation has grown in recent years. When she was 18, she suffered a traffic accident, from which she suffered all her life. She fought the pain by painting. She led a troubled life as the wife of muralist Diego Rivera and also as his comrade in the revolutionary movement. Kahlo's painting continued the tradition of Mexican folk art and was also deeply rooted in her private experience, resulting in extremely unique and attractive works. French surrealist poet André Breton admired her as a "born surrealist".

This work, "Girl with Death Mask", takes up the theme of death from which no one can escape, and it was painted while she was mourning the death of her own baby due to a miscarriage. "Death" was the most intimate theme for Kahlo, who always lived in close context with it. The traditional Mexican idea of death is reflected in every motif in this painting. The death mask worn by the girl is a toy for the "Day of the Dead" and the marigolds in her hand are to be offered at a grave to guide the spirits of the dead. The "Tiger mask" at her feet was used as a talisman to protect the child from evil.

Magdalena Carmen Frida y Calderón (Coyoacán, Mexico, 6 July 1907 - 13 July 1954) was a Mexican surrealist painter.

Frida's work is characterised by cheerful colours, but contrasted with an alienating atmosphere. She did not shy away from controversy.