One of our most popular posts featured Frida Kahlo painting the plaster cast she had to suffer living in after one of her many operations. Kahlo, confined in terrible casts most of life, painted them, transformed them, took them over as much as she could, turned them into something beautiful, expressive; she turned them into art. That defiant act of transformation resonately deeply with readers.

Recently, we found a trove of powerful images by Japanese photograher Ishiuchi Miyako of Kahlo’s wardrobe, from gloves and stockings to her vividly colored skirts and blouses, as well as her incredible casts, in remarkable detail. Each item is evidence of her powerful drive to self expression, despite her wounds, setbacks and handicaps.

Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery

Says gallerist Michael Hoppen, who has mounted a show of the images at his gallery:

She’s not somebody who makes decorative pictures. She’s somebody who really does live and breathe her particular stance on life.

…so the extroardinary images reveal…

Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery

Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery

Frida's shoes Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery

Frida's cast detail Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
Ishiuchi Miyako, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery

Reviewed together however these relics become a composite “portrait”, an insight into a woman who used fashion to channel her physical difficulties into a courageous statement of identity, strength and beauty.

More images here.

via AnOther

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