December 4, 2017: Spanish art porcelain brand, Lladro, unveiled its sculpture of Frida Kahlo, which is exclusive to Mexico, a limited edition of 250 pieces to pay tribute to the Mexican painter, who was both subject and object of her own work.
Lladró’s interpretation of the artist and universal icon was presented for the first time at Casa Azul in Coyoacán, Mexico, the place where she was born and died.
The bust is the very expression of the exuberance of a groundbreaking woman who was ahead of time. The characteristic gestures and facial features, defined and underlined by makeup, the expression of her eyes and lips are recreated with a high degree of realism. The piece is made in glazed porcelain using several different decorative techniques.
Worth underscoring are the brightly coloured flowers, handmade as always, in her headdress and neckline. The thirty or so flowers in the headdress are combined with leaves, fruit and a hummingbird, which represents Frida’s love for animals. The overall result is enhanced by attractive effects produced by plays of enamels in the black turban and the metallic paint used in her blouse.
Another of the key elements in this piece are the earrings, which are in the form of skulls, an iconographic element of Mexican culture, paying tribute to Holy Death on the All Souls festival. They are made in porcelain and brass plated with 18 carat gold. They can be separated from the bust and worn as a fashion accessory!
The piece stands on a base with a special shape designed to enhance it, recalling those used to exhibit classic busts. It is decorated with gold leaf over a red-painted ground, which can be seen in parts to lend it the effect of the patina produced by the passing of time.
Frida Kahlo by Lladró is available in the brand’s points of sale in Mexico and will be available in the rest of the world in 2018.
