The exhibition, co-directed by Cengiz Ayyıldız and Koray Özdemir, and co-curated by Ayşe Demirci and Dilay Duman, offers a profound insight into Frida Kahlo's inner world and artistic journey. This innovative showcase combines physical and digital elements, highlighting Kahlo's life alongside her art.
Ayyıldız emphasized that the exhibition is not just about Kahlo's artwork but also narrates aspects of her life. Initially launched during the Culture Road Festival, the exhibition attracted over 50,000 visitors in Istanbul and more than 20,000 in Antalya, prompting organizers to bring it back to Istanbul due to high demand.
Utilizing cutting-edge technology, including AI-driven personalized interactive experiences and digital installations, the exhibition allows visitors to explore Kahlo's universe even 70 years after her death. Insights into her relationship with Diego Rivera, a significant influence on her emotional turmoil, are also featured.
The exhibition offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to engage directly with Kahlo’s thoughts, feelings, and sources of inspiration as recorded in her diaries. It will be open until March 23.
Born in Mexico in 1907, Kahlo faced numerous health challenges throughout her life. After suffering from polio as a child, she was unable to fully use one leg. A traffic accident at 18 led to 32 surgeries and long periods of bed rest. Encouraged by her family, she began painting, using a mirror to capture her reflections while confined to bed. Of her 143 works, 55 reflect her physical pain.
Despite her hardships, Kahlo emerged as a strong and determined artist, leaving a lasting impact on global art history with her works that embody Mexican culture and inspire women worldwide.