There is a new picture on the left. For those who aren't familiar with it, it's a self portrait done by the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954). I will post some more pictures of her and her work, but I encourage everyone to look further into her work and life. To say anything more about her would pale in comparison to how she lived.
And YES! She is a kindred sister! Notice the moustache and bushy eyebrows? To me, she really symbolizes that a woman does not have to submit to or be bounded by society's aesthetic conventions, and that there is far more to a woman than just her body. I know this is something we have all heard before. Something to which we may have responded, "easier said than done." However, her work in my mind is a physical manifestation of a woman that refuses to play by those rules. Her self portraits are interesting in this regard as she always emphasizes the hair on her face, therefore not just making it apparent intentionally, but making it impossible to ignore. The viewer is forced to acknowledge its presence. What a far cry from how I deal with my hair, trying to hide it anyway I can.
I know there is more to me (and all other people as well) than what I (and they) look like - or specifically, how much hair I have. I feel as if I will never find these things unless I begin to focus a little less on this superficial nonsense that keeps me from experiencing life to the utmost, with abandon....
There is also a film on her starring Salma Hayek as Kahlo. Sure its Hollywood (of which I am not a fan), but this film is very well done.
Enjoy.
Dear A,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see you are back! Hirsutism can give rise to a very dangerous level of self loathing, and I was concerened something traqic happened. Your appreciation for Frida Kahlo is excellant. You are the first hairy woman I have seen bring her artwork to the attention of hirsutists. It shows a good mind and education level. Kahlo artworks are most unusual . I wonder if she would be as successful a painter without that shocking unibrow. Is the appreciation of her artwork genuine or is it mere carnival curiosity for the bearded lady? Some of her paintings are about as pleasant as abortion photographs. However, the disturbing emotions seem in some way to express her life nightmares living as an extremely hairy woman.
Hi Don,
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you again! I apologise for the fright that my disappearance gave you. Things have been quite well actually. I have been seeing a really wonderful man for a bit over a year, and things just seem to be getting better. He doesn't mind the hair at all, in fact, he prefers my 'natural' body over my censored and manicured one. But do I....?
With regards to Frida Kahlo, I have always had a deep appreciation for her work which started before and extends beyond my interest in her as a hirsute woman. In fact, one of the things that I like so much about it is that (in my opinion anyway) it is not confined to her hirsutism, but speaks of her politics and of her experiences as a woman besides the hair. I don't think that the anguish expressed in her work can always be tied to her hirsutism. And thats where her work begins to inspire me - there are more ways to experience the world than just as a hairy woman (or queer person, a white person, a coloured person etc).
I have a question for you: where does your interest in, and concern for, hirsute women stem from? What brings you here?
I apologise for the delayed response. Things have been busy!
Thank you for your participation once again. It is sincerely appreciated.
A.
The question of origin for my interest and concern for hirsute women is a lot like the famous zen riddle " what is the sound of one hand clapping ? " As soon as you open the mouth to give an answer you have failed. It is a question best answered in person in front of a warm fire place. I come here to help , to find my dreams, and because I like your approach and your courage to talk beyond the common despair of hisutism. I have read so much of the sobbing over the years. I do not know if it can ever help to be a man who says I prefer your "natural" body, but I want to find such a woman for my own satisfactions in hopes that it is mutual. That is likely an unreasonable expectation for posting here, but there is always hope of contributing to the melting of walls built by hair guilt and hair fear that keeps people out of living a better life .
ReplyDeleteI read about Salma Hayek playing Frida in the biographical film. What concerned me though was, when being interviewed about the role, Salma said that she "regretted" growing Frida's tradmark moustace for the role as it had now made managing her facial hair difficult.
ReplyDeleteI think that Salma could have managed this a little more tactfully. How does she think that us women that suffer from hirsutism feel when she is plaining stating that she regrets looking like us. It is already a difficult condition to have, most probably because those that do not understand it somehow think that it is our fault (i.e. we are not waxing, plucking, shaving correctly). Salma Hayek would do well to remember that it is a medical condition that women live with and does not make them ugly. Myself I am trying to embrace it, it does make me rather distinctive after all!
I am 19 and until recently, I thought I was the only person dealing with this. I have thought and attempted suicide (I know, juvenile and idiotic) after countless relationships ended on account of the guys I dated not accepting my 'condition'. I am just so excited to know that I am not a freak and I'm not the only one of us out there. Thank you so much.
ReplyDelete<3 -S
I wonder if Frida Kahlo could make it in today's world. The culture was far more conservatively dressed in her day and yet she still seems rather messed up inside by the looks of her art. How impossible it must be today to keep some physical privacy when you cannot even get on a plane without exposing yourself. Cameras everywhere. People on twitter chatting any time they see a woman at Starbucks with inch long arm hair. Always keep faith that there are lots of men and women in this world who support you.
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