Frida’s ‘Viva la Vida’
Considering the final painting of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo — a still life of succulent fruit, forever fresh…
This colourful still life of watermelons, some carved and cut into wedges, was the final painting of Frida Kahlo, completed days before she died in 1954. It is therefore especially poignant that she labelled the front segment ‘Viva La Vida’ — Long Live Life.
Fresh watermelons immediately suggest life and abundance, celebrating the fertility of Frida’s Mexican heritage. Her home, Casa du Azul was full of flora and fauna — she kept a garden, parrots, monkeys… all of which invited tropical lushness into her everyday life. Watermelons are significant in Mexican culture as they are often left as offerings to honour the spirits of ancestors during the Mexican Day of the Dead ceremony. This is a mixture of ancient indigenous traditions fused with Catholic and European culture, held over the three days of Halloween, All Saints, and All Souls Day.
Food is offered at graves and upon makeshift altars in the home to share with those departed. It’s a way to joyfully remember and celebrate the life of those who have died rather than sadly mourning them. Acknowledging the many days of their lives, not just the moments of their passing. To affirm joy in life itself.
