Frida by Ishiuchi Miyako

Trained in textile design and self-taught in photography, Ishiuchi Miyako won the prestigious Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography last year. Known for her work of beautiful and emotional photographs typically based on collections owned by Japanese subjects, 2011 saw a unique invitation to Frida Kahlo’s ‘Casa Azul’ in Mexico City, the place where she was born, worked and died.

Following Kahlo’s death in 1954 her husband Diego Riviera began placing her personal belongings in their bathroom which remained sealed until fifteen years after his death.

The project ‘Frida’ continues Miyako’s obsession with the stories we leave behind, both as individuals and as a society and here we see a very unique portrait of Kahlo’s life through her wardrobe and personal objects.

“If I met her, I wouldn’t ask any questions. I would only want to stare at her and touch her body.” Miyako speak’s of her subject with a tender familiarity.

Frida by Ishiuchi Miyako is at Michael Hoppen Gallery from May 14 to July 12.