Mexico, Frida, and The Blue House

Yesterday, I visited Frida’s home. Before I continue, I must share that I am a huge admirer of the artist. A lot of people admire her for many reasons. Some for the ideology she represents, some for her work of art, some for the confidence she exuded, and some because of her style. The list can go on, and on, but I have a detailed recollection of how she’s come to be an influential person in my life. Growing up in Bolivia, I don’t vividly remember seeing replica of her art as frequently as people growing up in Mexico probably do. For obvious reasons. Here, you can see her face in every market on notebooks, handbags, t-shirts and more. You can also see her work in local art museums.

I became familiar with her work as I moved to Texas around the age of 15. It is then that I also developed a passion for art. I began painting and since then I’ve considered myself an artist. For young women, it is hard to identify oneself with female painters, as there aren’t many famous ones. Specially Hispanic. I quickly became fascinated by Frida’s art, vibrant colors, and rich style. As I grew older, and started understanding the world a little more, I began to realize the influence she really had on people. It was not necessarily her art, even though amazing, that made her famous. But, actually the life she lived. Many of us know the polio disease of early age she developed, the trolley accident, and her love for Diego Rivera. These stories have been greatly discussed. But, few really understand her. The deep pain in which the artist lived, both physical and emotional. Her passion for life and joy. Not afraid to be herself and have her own voice. Not afraid of criticism. Her confidence when staring in the mirror. Not afraid to love, and actually did it. And, most importantly, she always did what she wanted. For an artist, all of these qualities are necessary to accept the work we produce. To say “yes! I made that”.

She has inspired me to search for my true self. To accept the contradictions that sometimes I live with inside. And, to love above all.

So visiting her house was a magical experience. I must start by describing the place in which she grew up. Coyoacán is a beautiful colonial town situated near Mexico City. The narrow streets all lead to a gorgeous plaza with a beautiful Cathedral. Walking in town, I couldn’t help to think that such place probably influenced Frida tremendously as an artist. Her home, a vivid cobalt blue, is truly a gem. It is way bigger than I had imagined it to be. The rooms are sort of a maze and her garden is like a mini jungle. Walking through the rooms and observing little details of her home painted a clearer picture of who she was. I am a believer that what you have in your home and how you live each day defines the life you live. I understood the details in her home. As a book lover myself, I admired the book collection she had. Books in English, French, Spanish about art, politics, Mexican culture and more. Her studio in the second floor overlooking the garden with birds chirping is just inspiring. Such a home inspires anyone to build their own.

So I leave you with two things, a quote from the artist and a bucket list item.

“Nothing is worth more than laughter. It is strength to laugh and to abandon oneself, to be light.” — Frida

— V