It has been six decades since the death of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Still, withstanding the test of time, it seems that the feminist icon and her colorful aesthetic have been going through a modern revival. New York Times writer Guy Trebay coined the term "Fridamania" in his article "Frida Kahlo is Having a Moment." He describes it as Kahlo becoming the "centerpiece of a kitsch marketing bonanza...elevat[ing] Kahlo to near-mythic dimensions..."(Trebay). Her face has made its way onto Urban Outfitters tube socks, artsy candles, and notebooks. Dare I say that Kahlo's face and style of her work has almost become trendy? Hopefully this isn't just 15 minutes of fame and today's society is developing an interest in her for deeper reasons. She's definitely a striking individual, with an unapologetic sense of style and a defiant attitude that is exuded through her hypnotizing self-portraits. However, not everybody who claims that they're Frida fans know any more about her than her bushy eyebrows and intricate flower crowns. Behind the solemn face is a woman who led an extraordinarily inspiring, unique, and tragic life.

Kahlo was an artist who lived much of her life in physical and emotional pain. She was unable to bear children due to a tragic bus accident, intensely struggled with polio, and had to deal with her tumultuous marriage with Diego Rivera. Often tormented by these struggles, the emotions she was experiencing often translated onto canvas and manifested bittersweetly. Her dark and beautifully haunting work is incredible, but unfortunately rooted in the many lifelong obstacles she had to face.

Kahlo has taken the spotlight as the star of the New York Botanical Garden's six-month long special exhibit. The NYBG's exhibit looks into a different side of Kahlo. Its central focus lies upon her connection to the natural world and how the shapes and colors of her surroundings greatly influenced her work. From May 16 until November 1, visitors can take a look into her world. NYBG has replicated part of the Casa Azul, the famous house in Mexico City where she resided for a majority of her life. Her garden is also replicated around the Casa Azul pieces, surrounding the bright blue walls with a multitude of succulents. Not only are pieces of her house being showcased, there are also two gallery exhibits with over a dozen of Kahlo's works, traditional dishes modeled after her own recipes that are being served in NYBG's café, mariachi performances, and film showings.

Here's a little photo-tour of NYBG's exclusive Frida Kahlo exhibit.

Kahlo has been popping up everywhere in the city. There's a special gallery showing at the Throckmorton Fine Art called Mirror Mirror...and it showcases over a dozen photographs of her, from her late teens to just months before she passed.

So cheers to all of my fellow Frida fans out there, and let's hope that our beloved artist holds on to the place that she has carved out for herself in the world of art. As she once said in a famous quote, "Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?" I can't help but think how she would feel if she could see how her life's work is being received today. Although it has been years, it's satisfying to see that it seems people have finally let Frida show off her wings.