When celebrated artist Frida Kahlo died in 1954, her husband Diego Rivera locked her clothing in a room that he ordered not be opened until 15 years after his death. True to Rivera’s wishes, photographer Isiuchi Miyako only gained access to Kahlo’s belongings in 2004, and took these amazing pictures.
There’s something especially powerful about this look at Kahlo’s most intimate possessions: It could be the fact that it reminds us the artist was a human, not just a legend. Or maybe it’s just that the clothing is so bright and beautiful, we can’t help but see it as an extension of Kahlo’s art. Either way, we can’t look away from these gorgeous images.
1. Kahlo’s cat-eye sunglasses –
2. Kahlo’s fringed boots –
3. Kahlo’s makeup compact –
4. Kahlo’s nail polish –
5. Kahlo’s mint bathing suit –
6. The artist’s cast following a bus accident –
7. Kahlo’s dresses
8. The artist’s prosthetic leg, which she designed after her leg was amputated in 1953 –
9. One of Kahlo’s corsets –
10. Kahlo’s green silk and lace skirt –
Images: Frida by Ishiuchi Miyako is at Michael Hoppen gallery,
Published May 15, 2015