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You are always with me: Letters to mama
Frida Kahlo is regarded as one of Mexico's greatest her extraordinary personal style, her tragic story, her relationship with Diego Rivera (the more famous painter in their day) alongside her passionate paintings have made her a cult figure since she died over sixty years ago.
But beyond the familiar images there is a private story about a daughter who confided in her beloved mama, Matilde Calderon Kahlo. Until now Frida's handwritten letters have only been available to scholars - and recently in Spanish in a book that appeared in 2016. Now for the first time we have over fifty of these letters in English.
And what a treasure. Funny, observant and honest, they chart Kahlo's relationship with her mother; a relationship that was sometimes fraught - as with most mother and daughters - but was always alive and honest. They begin in 1923 when Kahlo was sixteen and continue until the death of her mother in 1932. These letters tell us about Kahlo's anxieties, her feelings about her husband and friends and above all reveal the marvelous, critical painter's eye in her description of people and places from Mexico, San Francisco and New York.
Edited, translated and introduced by Dr. Héctor Jaimes, Professor of Spanish, North Carolina State University (who edited the Spanish version) this book is published with paintings and photographs.
But beyond the familiar images there is a private story about a daughter who confided in her beloved mama, Matilde Calderon Kahlo. Until now Frida's handwritten letters have only been available to scholars - and recently in Spanish in a book that appeared in 2016. Now for the first time we have over fifty of these letters in English.
And what a treasure. Funny, observant and honest, they chart Kahlo's relationship with her mother; a relationship that was sometimes fraught - as with most mother and daughters - but was always alive and honest. They begin in 1923 when Kahlo was sixteen and continue until the death of her mother in 1932. These letters tell us about Kahlo's anxieties, her feelings about her husband and friends and above all reveal the marvelous, critical painter's eye in her description of people and places from Mexico, San Francisco and New York.
Edited, translated and introduced by Dr. Héctor Jaimes, Professor of Spanish, North Carolina State University (who edited the Spanish version) this book is published with paintings and photographs.
- GenresArtNonfictionDisability
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
16 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Frida Kahlo
90Ìýbooks1,040ÌýfollowersMagdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo Calderón was a Mexican painter, who has achieved great international popularity. She painted using vibrant colors in a style that was influenced by indigenous cultures of México as well as by European influences that include Realism, Symbolism, and Surrealism. Many of her works are self-portraits that symbolically express her own pain and sexuality.
In 1929 Kahlo married the Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. They shared political views, and he encouraged her artistic endeavors. Although she has long been recognized as an important painter, public awareness of her work has become more widespread since the 1970. Her "Blue" house in Coyoacán, México City is a museum, donated by Diego Rivera upon his death in 1957.
In 1929 Kahlo married the Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. They shared political views, and he encouraged her artistic endeavors. Although she has long been recognized as an important painter, public awareness of her work has become more widespread since the 1970. Her "Blue" house in Coyoacán, México City is a museum, donated by Diego Rivera upon his death in 1957.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 13, 2019
I'll give this three stars because it's a very pretty little book. The letters to her mother, however, are not especially compelling. I mean it's wonderful that they exist, but as fascinating reading material...eh. Not a lot of pictures, but the ones that are there are swell. So if you have a Frida book collection, it would be nice to add, I suppose.
July 21, 2019
I feel like we know so much about Frida Khalo's story, but rarely hear her voice/words, if ever (just quotes attributed to her). But this collection of intimate letters to her mother from when she was living away from home in Mexico, then in San Francisco and then again in NYC - it's a refreshing treat to have such a window into the mind and thoughts of such an icon.
Frida writes to her mama, with instructions and advice, worries about the family's finances, and everyone's wellbeing back in Mexico.
The editor and translator for this collection seems to have missed many details I would have liked between locations for Frida and Diego - how long were they home, were all the things Frida fretted about in her letters to her liking when she was home? Can't help but think a female editor wouldn't have dismissed these details for the reader.
Frida's talk in her letters to Mama show frequent insecurities about Diego, reveal some of her adjustments to being married, and then the everyday experiences of loneliness and ultimately homesickness she experienced at these times.
Her commentary on the gringos and their taste and her opinion that they are dull, is such amusing sass! Her critique of American food, and cultural integration is amusing and endearing - as if we didn't already adore her!
Frida writes to her mama, with instructions and advice, worries about the family's finances, and everyone's wellbeing back in Mexico.
The editor and translator for this collection seems to have missed many details I would have liked between locations for Frida and Diego - how long were they home, were all the things Frida fretted about in her letters to her liking when she was home? Can't help but think a female editor wouldn't have dismissed these details for the reader.
Frida's talk in her letters to Mama show frequent insecurities about Diego, reveal some of her adjustments to being married, and then the everyday experiences of loneliness and ultimately homesickness she experienced at these times.
Her commentary on the gringos and their taste and her opinion that they are dull, is such amusing sass! Her critique of American food, and cultural integration is amusing and endearing - as if we didn't already adore her!
January 30, 2023
A visually stimulating, quintessential coffee table book for lovers of this fascinating artist.
This is a collection of letters Frida Kahlo wrote to her mother across several years, and features copies of her most famous paintings. There is little written from an editorial perspective, which is just fine, as there are many of these kinds of books floating around about Kahlo but rarely do we hear from the lady herself, in written word, anyhow.
A worthwhile addition to any art lovers shelf.
This is a collection of letters Frida Kahlo wrote to her mother across several years, and features copies of her most famous paintings. There is little written from an editorial perspective, which is just fine, as there are many of these kinds of books floating around about Kahlo but rarely do we hear from the lady herself, in written word, anyhow.
A worthwhile addition to any art lovers shelf.
January 27, 2021
I have read almost every book written on the life and times of Frida Kahlo for the past twenty years. This is the first book that truly paints an intimate picture of the relationship between Frida and her devoutly Catholic mother, Matilde. I mention Mrs. Kahlo's religious bent in order to show the stark difference between she and her daughter, an avowed Communist. As with any close mother and daughter, no differences, great or small, can come between the strong mother-daughter bond that is like no other.
Professor Hector Jaimes has published a gorgeously bound art book filled with Frida's letters to her mother within a ten year span, written during her times in San Francisco and New York. It is a lovely homage to a worldwide icon and her precious mother between the years 1923-1932. I was immediately struck with the thread of vulnerability that strung every single letter, from one to the other. For all of Frida's bravado and penchant for being outrageously daring and independent, the love and adoration for her mother was childlike and emotionally raw. Frida professed in every letter that she wouldn't be okay if she knew her mother was the least bit ill. She seemed obsessed with her mother's well-being and financial stability, especially since her father, Guillermo (Wilhelm) Kahlo, could no longer work due to his Epilepsy. My heart broke for Frida with each word because I feel the same way about my mother. Frida promised to keep sending her mother money while continually easing her mother's worry about Frida's own compromised health (due to a horrific bus accident when Frida was 18). Frida's adoration for her mother is so palpable in these letters, you could cut it with a knife.
Within these precious letters, I learned things about Frida I hadn't known before. Her descriptions of her time in America are buried time capsules filled with little treasures -- her visceral reactions to old white people; her love of Chinese children; her boredom without Diego's presence because of his 12-hour work days; not painting much on her own because she hadn't yet found the power of her own talent; the incredible love she had for every member of her large family.
This book lends credence to the fact that Frida was a very complex, contradictory human being. When she speaks in these letters about her loneliness and boredom, she segues into long litanies about how much she detests the rich white women and their ugly biscuit faces, calling them hags and old iguanas who spit when they talk. However, in the very next paragraphs, Frida speaks of how kind everyone is to her during these times in America. I felt like I was reading letters written by a bored pre-teen instead of a married woman of 26 to 35 years old. It has been written that Frida was a narcissist, who, because of her physical debilitations, was used to everyone revolving around her and tending to her needs. In fact, during the last year of her life, she has been noted to be impossible to be around because she wanted everyone in her orbit to constantly feel her anger, fears and pain.
Regardless of these new insights, Frida's talents, personality, and indomitable will to break the glass ceiling for women artists of the mid-twentieth century, will forever keep me loyal to her memory as an important iconic figure in history. If you love Frida's story, you must own this book.
Professor Hector Jaimes has published a gorgeously bound art book filled with Frida's letters to her mother within a ten year span, written during her times in San Francisco and New York. It is a lovely homage to a worldwide icon and her precious mother between the years 1923-1932. I was immediately struck with the thread of vulnerability that strung every single letter, from one to the other. For all of Frida's bravado and penchant for being outrageously daring and independent, the love and adoration for her mother was childlike and emotionally raw. Frida professed in every letter that she wouldn't be okay if she knew her mother was the least bit ill. She seemed obsessed with her mother's well-being and financial stability, especially since her father, Guillermo (Wilhelm) Kahlo, could no longer work due to his Epilepsy. My heart broke for Frida with each word because I feel the same way about my mother. Frida promised to keep sending her mother money while continually easing her mother's worry about Frida's own compromised health (due to a horrific bus accident when Frida was 18). Frida's adoration for her mother is so palpable in these letters, you could cut it with a knife.
Within these precious letters, I learned things about Frida I hadn't known before. Her descriptions of her time in America are buried time capsules filled with little treasures -- her visceral reactions to old white people; her love of Chinese children; her boredom without Diego's presence because of his 12-hour work days; not painting much on her own because she hadn't yet found the power of her own talent; the incredible love she had for every member of her large family.
This book lends credence to the fact that Frida was a very complex, contradictory human being. When she speaks in these letters about her loneliness and boredom, she segues into long litanies about how much she detests the rich white women and their ugly biscuit faces, calling them hags and old iguanas who spit when they talk. However, in the very next paragraphs, Frida speaks of how kind everyone is to her during these times in America. I felt like I was reading letters written by a bored pre-teen instead of a married woman of 26 to 35 years old. It has been written that Frida was a narcissist, who, because of her physical debilitations, was used to everyone revolving around her and tending to her needs. In fact, during the last year of her life, she has been noted to be impossible to be around because she wanted everyone in her orbit to constantly feel her anger, fears and pain.
Regardless of these new insights, Frida's talents, personality, and indomitable will to break the glass ceiling for women artists of the mid-twentieth century, will forever keep me loyal to her memory as an important iconic figure in history. If you love Frida's story, you must own this book.
April 13, 2019
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"She is the painter who is already a part of us; we recognize ourselves in her." ~HJ
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Editor and Translator Hector James has done an impressive and marvelous job curating this book. These letters from Frida Khalo to her mother were previously unpublished in english.
�
The letters begin in 1923 when she was 16 and continue till her mothers death in 1932. These letters are assembled into three separate sections. At the beginning of each section James has given a bit of a backstory on what was going on in Kahlo's life at the time as well as a brief breakdown of the letters in that section. There are also several photographs and works of her art throughout with a memo of what and who they are of.
�
In these letters we get to see a glimpse of the private side of who Frida Kahlo the woman, the daughter, and the wife really was. They show us her anxieties and her feelings towards her husband, her life and friends and her love for her dear mama. In her letters you can see her keen ability of observation shine through that is then showcased in her vivid abilities to describe people and places that is so prominent in her paintings.
�
Unfortunately Frida Kahlo's success came after she passed away. She would go on to became not only a famous Mexican artist but a cultural and female icon around the world. I absolutely love this book!! What a treasured gift to be able to read these letters and get an opportunity to know this amazing artist in such a personal way. And the book itself is absolutely stunning! I loved all the photographs and artwork that were included. This was an easy 5-star's for me. If you are curious about Frida Kahlo at all definitely check this one out. Or if you just enjoy books of letters this is perfect! Available April 30th in US/CAN!
�
THANK YOU to the Publisher for #gifting me this beauty!
�
"She is the painter who is already a part of us; we recognize ourselves in her." ~HJ
�
Editor and Translator Hector James has done an impressive and marvelous job curating this book. These letters from Frida Khalo to her mother were previously unpublished in english.
�
The letters begin in 1923 when she was 16 and continue till her mothers death in 1932. These letters are assembled into three separate sections. At the beginning of each section James has given a bit of a backstory on what was going on in Kahlo's life at the time as well as a brief breakdown of the letters in that section. There are also several photographs and works of her art throughout with a memo of what and who they are of.
�
In these letters we get to see a glimpse of the private side of who Frida Kahlo the woman, the daughter, and the wife really was. They show us her anxieties and her feelings towards her husband, her life and friends and her love for her dear mama. In her letters you can see her keen ability of observation shine through that is then showcased in her vivid abilities to describe people and places that is so prominent in her paintings.
�
Unfortunately Frida Kahlo's success came after she passed away. She would go on to became not only a famous Mexican artist but a cultural and female icon around the world. I absolutely love this book!! What a treasured gift to be able to read these letters and get an opportunity to know this amazing artist in such a personal way. And the book itself is absolutely stunning! I loved all the photographs and artwork that were included. This was an easy 5-star's for me. If you are curious about Frida Kahlo at all definitely check this one out. Or if you just enjoy books of letters this is perfect! Available April 30th in US/CAN!
�
THANK YOU to the Publisher for #gifting me this beauty!
March 4, 2021
I'm not sure how I feel about rating someone's letters to their mother, so instead my rating refers to the translation. Not that I really know Spanish well enough to compare for myself, but translating "gorditas" to "chubby women" when describing close friends or family doesn't really seem on the mark... I also would have appreciated some interpretation of the letter's contents, and more detail on what was going on in Frida's life at the time of writing these letters. And, of course, I'd have loved to see more of her paintings included in the book.
But it was interesting to see how such an artist wrote about life in New York, in San Fran, how she wrote to her mother about the exciting and the mundane...and everything she described as "stupid". I love Frida, and I loved learning a little more about her through her letters.
But it was interesting to see how such an artist wrote about life in New York, in San Fran, how she wrote to her mother about the exciting and the mundane...and everything she described as "stupid". I love Frida, and I loved learning a little more about her through her letters.
September 10, 2020
You Are Always With Me is a collection of letters written by Frida to her mother, along with beautiful photos, paintings and postcards. At a time when Frida Kahlo’s politics are often glossed over these letters are a brilliant reminder of who she was: a complex, political, vibrant woman who loved her mum.
Alicia - The Book Grocer
August 17, 2022
Frida Kahlo shows a wholesome, innocent side in these letters. Matilde Calderon's health may have been giving her fits because Frida implores her to write. (Matilde Calderon died from cancer in 1932.) In , Frida claimed her mother was illiterate but she could count money. I wonder why she would make a heinous statement. You wouldn't write letters to someone who couldn't read or respond on paper.
In closing, these letters present a demure and devoted woman who loved her family.
In closing, these letters present a demure and devoted woman who loved her family.
April 25, 2020
I would recommend this book to those who are already fans of Frida Kahlo and have an appreciation for her work and life story. If you're looking for a book to introduce you to Kahlo this isn't it. I did, however, enjoy reading words that the artist had written herself! It showed how much she loved her mother and family.
December 31, 2021
Jamies� prefaces to each chapter are beautifully written. The letters themselves, while quite repetitive and not overly compelling, are indicative of the difficult time Kahlo had away from her family, especially her mother, in the US. Not speaking the language, unable to immerse herself in the culture, and unwilling to build friendships all led to a desperate loneliness and urge to return home.
January 26, 2024
I'm giving it three stars because it's short and provided me with a good background on Frida's life. However, regarding the letters, they are neither poetic nor do they contain stories or any material.
March 4, 2020
A wonderful book!
April 7, 2020
Book are so much more than their content, sometimes the real story how they ended up in your hands.
June 20, 2023
The sweetest little unwavering love-filled letters from Frida to her mother throughout all of life’s hardships & melancholy pining
March 23, 2024
4.0 a beautiful compilation
July 12, 2024
i read this wanting to feel more connected to Frida and her art. i loved this. the mundanity of it all and her refreshing perspective. i love learning more about art and artists.
November 14, 2024
It was interesting to read in her own words her letters to her mother. She clearly had a disdain for wealthy Americans and was appalled at the wealth disparity in the US.
July 4, 2020
The sass shines through
Selected letters from Kahlo to her mother with minimal edits. I really enjoyed her impressions of the US, and although some letters are repetitive, you get a good sense of her personality.
Selected letters from Kahlo to her mother with minimal edits. I really enjoyed her impressions of the US, and although some letters are repetitive, you get a good sense of her personality.
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