In Full Bloom Exhibition – Experiences
The showcase of work in the Arts Care In Full Bloom Exhibitions – Experiences, exhibiting in Belfast Exposed’s Studio Gallery, has been inspired by the life and work of Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo, as part of the Arts Care Here & Now Older People’s Arts, Health & Well Being Festival 2017-18.
The Arts Care Here & Now Festival aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people by supporting them to access and participate in high quality arts activity. In Full Bloom is the final showcase of services user’s work – it challenges stereotypical notions of what growing older means and promotes older people’s inclusion in the community.
Frida Kahlo was born on 6 July 1907 and named Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon. Frida celebrated life despite contracting polio as a child, experiencing depression and a life changing accident leaving her with a range of disabilities. Prior to her accident at 18 years of age, Frida Kahlo was destined to study medicine.
She navigated challenging relationships and Frida’s legacy continuesot his day as an iconic artist. Frida died aged forty seven on 13 July 1954. Her work was rediscovered in the 1970s. She was best known for her vibrant and colourful paintings that had a very personal context, particularly her self-portraits that identified Frida’s unique style not only as an artist but her sartorial style of dress.
Living in the same colourful home all her life, known as The Blue House, her work was inspired by Mexican Culture and Naïve Folk Art, mixing realism and fantasy. Struggles with mental health problems and disability are reflected in her work.
Her art and self-expression were an integral part of how Frida managed to cope with her varying life experiences. Arts Care Project Artists have worked with service users from ages 60-102 through a series of facilitated workshops over the five Health Care Trusts. They have all interpreted Frida’s work and creativity through a series of stunning paintings, textiles, printing, photography, mosaic, collage, creative writing, dance and music. The result is an inspiring and colourful exhibition, celebrating creativity, innovation and life.