Dare to be different or be forgotten

Frida Kahlo. I was admiring her work at the Museum of Modern Art when I found myself remarking how different her work was when compared to most other artists I had seen. Mind you, I am no art connoisseur. Far from it, I am as amateur as they come to assessing art. But even my untrained eye noticed how Kahlo would dare to be different. Her eyebrows were as natural as the photos of her, and there was the slightest wisp of a moustache running across her upper lip. Such “imperfections” would be frowned upon and brushed out by most, but Kahlo left it up there for all eternity to take in. Why is that so?

And then I thought to myself, why not? It is only those that dare to be different that make an impact on our lives. Her artwork is very unique and a reflection of herself. It’s very intense and memorable in its own way, and it certainly stands out in its own right. Many think she is one of the foremost artists of the 20th century, and I doubt they would make that assertion if she hadn’t brought such a different style to the table (or should I say easel?). You can make sure that you’re just as memorable and you don’t even need to paint yourself with a unibrow to make it so.

There are a few lessons we can take away from Frida Kahlo’s art.

Be true to yourself

Kahlo painted the only thing she knew well; herself. There were no pretenses or false airs about it, and it was the only thing she had that could be painted while recovering from numerous surgeries she had to go through after an accident. As bloggers or businessmen, we can do the same. Tap into that part of yourselves that is honest and speaks to readers and audiences and you will reap the benefits. I’m sure Kahlo would have been a fantastic blogger.

Stand firm

Frida was married (twice) to the famous Diego Rivera, and theirs was a tumultuous relationship that also had a lot of respect for the other’s work. Living off Rivera’s fame would have been possible, but she wanted to make a statement of her own and she stood up for herself at a time when society was a much more conventional one. Be passionate about things you love and stand by it; it’ll win people over for sure.

Stick to a style

There’s a lot of raw emotionality about Kahlo’s paintings, but there is one thing she lied about; her year of birth. Despite being born in 1907, she said she was born in 1910. That’s because she wanted to say she was born at the same time the Mexican Revolution began and Frida carried that style with her all the way. Even in hospital, she was in layers of traditional fabric and jewelry while recuperating. That was her style and a reflection of herself. What about you? What’s your style? If you don’t have one, set about creating one and then stick to it as best as you can. The connection between the message and a larger theme does have its own rewards.