Cristina Kahlo on What People Get Wrong About Her Great-Aunt Frida

The TIME Studios doc Frida is on the 2025 Oscars shortlist for best documentary film.

In this innovative film, accessible for streaming on Amazon Prime, Frida Kahlo’s words take center stage as the primary source of narration, marking it as the first documentary solely based on her own accounts. Director Carla Gutierrez and her team skillfully incorporate Kahlo’s letters discussing men, politics, feminism, while Fernanda Echevarría Del Rivero lends her voice to read Kahlo’s personal diary entries. The animation breathes life into the artist’s famous paintings.

One of Frida’s recognized advisors is Cristina Kahlo, Frida’s great-niece who is a renowned artist herself at the age of 64. With over three decades of experience as a photographer, she has captured a wide variety of subjects including Mexican cultural institutions, danzón dance communities, and children with special needs.

Kahlo refers to Cristina, Frida Kahlo’s sister who was involved in a well-known romantic liaison with Frida’s husband, the artist Diego Rivera, and even modeled for some of his masterpieces. Despite this past affair, Cristina’s photographic work has not been tainted by it. In fact, she has collaborated on projects with Diego Rivera’s grandson in the past.

She gained most of her knowledge about Frida later in life through research, and outside of photography, she often conducts interviews about Frida and assists in organizing exhibitions featuring her famous great-aunt. In this discussion, she shares her experiences working under the Kahlo name, debunks common myths and misconceptions about Frida, and ponders over her great-aunt’s lasting impact.

As a child, who was your namesake, Frida Kahlo, and how was she connected to Diego Rivera?

When I was just thirteen, my dad Antonio sadly passed away, leaving us with limited opportunities for conversations about our family history. After his passing, I found solace in learning more about Frida Kahlo. It turned out that Cristina, Frida’s sister, had a romantic involvement with Diego Rivera.

How did you feel when you read about that?

It’s not simple to unravel their relationship, as both Frida and Diego were quite open about their sexuality. Diego was known for his charm and often complimented women on their beauty, which likely made it easy for Cristina to be drawn to Diego Rivera. Meanwhile, Frida too had other romantic partners. The truth of their relationships can be a bit murky.

How did the affair affect Frida and Cristina’s relationship as sisters?

For approximately a year, Frida and Cristina were separated, but eventually, Frida chose to forgive Cristina. Among all of Frida’s siblings, Cristina held a special place in her heart. Whenever Frida journeyed to New York, Cristina was by her side. In times when Frida was unwell, it was Cristina who looked after her.

How did Cristina and Diego’s relationship affect you?

I attended school alongside Juan Rafael Coronel Rivera, who is a grandson of Diego Rivera. During our time together, we discussed various topics, and he mentioned that while we aren’t blood relatives, we share a historical connection. Over the years, we grew to be friends, and in the 1980s, we opened an art gallery – one of the pioneering galleries in Mexico specializing in photography.

What are your favorite Frida paintings?

In 1926 and 1933, she began depicting herself in artworks titled “Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress” and “Self Portrait with Necklace“. Prior to this, her paintings were less complex, focusing on subjects like flowers and monkeys.

In 1926 and 1933, she created two self-portraits called “Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress” and “Self Portrait with Necklace“. Before this, her artwork mainly consisted of paintings of flowers and monkeys.

I find the symbolic imagery in “My Dress Hangs There” (1933) captivating. The dress suspended in the story represents a longing for Mexico, even though she physically resided in the United States. In essence, it communicates, ‘Although my dress is here, I am mentally and emotionally somewhere else.’

What do people get wrong about Frida?

Occasionally, individuals may recognize Frida Kahlo’s visage as a figure, yet remain unfamiliar with her personal struggles, having lived a life filled with hardship.

Indeed, one project that you’ve worked on recently was titled “Kahlo Without Borders,” an exhibit displayed at the MSU Broad Art Museum in Michigan. In this exhibition, you captured images of Frida Kahlo’s medical records.

I created an exhibit featuring various surgical records, physicians’ medical files, and medication lists related to one individual (Frida). This display served to underscore Frida’s humanity, as she has been perceived more as a pop icon than a real person. It’s crucial to present her authentic side.

Your observation about highlighting the human aspect of Frida through her personal narrative aligns well with the approach taken by the TIME Studios documentary on Frida. In essence, it’s attempting to convey Frida’s story using her very own voice.

One aspect I genuinely appreciate in the movie “Frida” is its authenticity. Instead of relying on fictional accounts found in novels, the filmmakers incorporate actual photographs of her, letters, and writings, making it seem as if Frida herself is speaking to us directly, providing a more personal and genuine portrayal.

How do you see Frida Kahlo’s legacy today?

Due to my job, I frequently find myself on the move, and it’s common knowledge who she is. She has essentially taken on the role of an emissary for Mexico. This piques people’s interest in Mexico, its art, Oaxaca, and I believe this is beneficial for Mexico.

What do people get wrong about Frida?

The issue lies in her transformation from an artist into a brand. Due to her immense popularity and global recognition, Frida Kahlo’s image adorns numerous products that bear little connection to her essence or her political beliefs. I believe she would strongly disapprove of the Frida Barbie doll, as it is costly and not accessible for everyone.

At my home, guests often appear adorned in attire reminiscent of Frida Kahlo, incorporating traditional Oaxacan clothing and floral headpieces among other elements. There are numerous competitions taking place—such as Frida-like lookalike contests—however, this is not the accurate interpretation of the teachings she passed on to us.

What are those lessons?

Instead of trying to mimic someone else, focus on discovering your unique personality by expressing your interests, preferences in clothing, and individuality. Just like Frida Kahlo, who was married to the renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera, yet maintained her distinctive style as a painter with her own themes, we can all learn from Frida’s example to embrace authenticity and be true to ourselves.

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2025-01-11 02:06