But it’s the little things in the blockbuster Victorian exhibition Frida Kahlo: In her Own Image at the Bendigo Art Gallery that reveal so much more about her life.
Her colourful and often tragic story comes to life in this Australian exclusive exhibition that showcases her turbulent life, dramatic loves and some of her memorable work.
Family Photographs
As you wander through the gallery there are family photographs, original make up – she was as passionate about life as that red lipstick – her embroidered clothes, and stunning photographs of her. They reveal much about this artist who shunned conventions.
The exhibition, which is on loan from Mexico’s Museo Frida Kahlo, is another coup for Victoria’s eclectic Bendigo Art Gallery.
The gallery has a reputation for securing amazing exhibitions including Elvis Presley: Direct from Graceland, Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925 and Australiana: Designing a Nation.
Under lock and key until now
What is even more amazing about this exhibition is that everything was locked away by her ex-husband celebrated Mexican painter Diego Rivera.
They were under lock and key in a bathroom in Kahlo’s cherished family home, La Casa Azul and remained so for 50 years after her death in 1954. The precious collection sheds new light on Kahlo’s carefully crafted appearance.
It appears she purposely constructed a captivating public image which addressed geopolitical issues of her time, cultural and social identity, and her own body.
Difficult life and tumultuous marriage
Life was not easy for the vibrant artist. She suffered constant pain from polio, followed by devastating injuries in a horrific streetcar accident in which she was lucky to survive. An iron handrail went into her hip and came out the other side. She also broke her spinal column, collarbone, ribs, pelvis, right leg in 11 places, and dislocated her shoulder.
Plagued by constant pain, she had 35 operations in her lifetime and often turned to drugs and alcohol to ease the suffering. Her decorated plaster casts and photographs of her painting while confined to bed displayed in the exhibition, are moving. She would sit in her bed with an easel, mostly painting self-portraits by looking at herself in a mirror across the room.
Kahlo had a tumultuous marriage to Rivera, who was twice her age. She married him in 1927 aged 20 and they were often referred to as the Elephant and the Dove, because of their size.
Her life was as colourful as her appearance and it’s a fascinating exhibition that provides insight into her life. It’s a rewarding and intriguing showcase of Kahlo, who is considered one of the most influential female artists of the 20th century.
Kahlo-Inspired Experiences
Bendigo is hosting more than 90 Mexican and Frida-inspired experiences and events in the city and surrounds until the exhibition closes on July 13, 2025.
The Come for Frida and Stay for the Fiesta festival showcases multiple murals and colourful installations around the CBD, including the famous Bendigo sign in Rosalind Park.
There’s also a new installation VIVA, inspired by the artist’s last painting, Viva La Vida.
Taco Trail
Love a taco?
Bendigo’s new taco trail celebrates the famous food fare of Kahlo’s native Mexico.
They range from sizzling meats to zesty vegan delights at more than 20 Bendigo venues.
Visitors to Bendigo, who test out the Taco Trail can vote for their favourite taco and enter the draw to win a VIP Weekend for two in Bendigo valued more than $1000.
What to Do
In the Kahlo spirit, there are lots of fun and artistic things to do in Bendigo.
Tequila Session at Domain Asmara
Winemaker and distiller, Andreas Greiving shares his knowledge of tequila at his winery, Domain Asmara at Toolleen, where he makes wines and spirits. He has planted 750 Weber Blue agave plants which he says will be well suited to the climate conditions. He now uses agave syrup from Mexico in a small micro still to produce Agave Spirit. He also makes gin, whiskey and other spirits under the name In Good Spirits plus wine. His cellar door features an impressive mural by artist Jimmy Dvate.
Latidos de Mexico: Mexican Art Today
This exhibition showcases the recent works of artists Deniol Alva, Ulysses and Lizette Vieyra with paintings, wall-hangings, photographs and sculptures- it’s on until July 15, 2025
Mexican Cooking Class
Throughout Fiesta Bendigo, the Old Church on the Hill will be holding monthly Mexican cooking classes, with two-hour classes led by Rosita Vincent, who came to Australia from Mexico at the age of four. She will share secrets of Mexican flavours, cooking techniques and ingredients passed down by her mother and grandmother.
Dine
The Woodhouse
101 Williamson St, Bendigo
The steak and grill restaurant features the best produce from local meat growers and farmers including wagyu and premium grass-fed beef. It’s cooked on a wood grill or in the wood oven.
Try a Mango Mezcal Margarita from the Fiesta Bendigo Menu at the award-winning restaurant. The special Tribute to Frida Kahlo includes delicious tempura zucchini blossoms with ricotta, wagyu cheeseburger and handmade roasted pumpkin and ricotta ravioli. Mexican churros, wattle seed crème brulee or wood-roasted mango, pineapple and coconut sorbet are a fitting finale.
A shiny new bar showcases 28 wines by the glass and it’s home to 300 bottles including some of the finest local and regional wines.
Bendigo Brewing
25 Farmer Lane, Bendigo
Bendigo Brewing opened late last year with passionate head brewer Evan Hunter at the helm. There are 11 beers on tap and we taste tested Plains, a hazy pale ale, Golden Hop which is golden ale, Old Kent a modern ESB and Dragon City – with hints of raspberry sour and smoked tea.
In keeping with the Fiesta theme, there’s a wood fired pizza taco pizza topped with beef brisket, cheese, fresh tomato, zesty corn chips and finished off with fresh avocado, coriander and chipotle mayo. For a spicy fix you can add jalopenos or cholula hot sauce – try it with a Long-Time lager.
Cornella Brewery has also created a dedicated new Fiesta beer – Rancho Cerveza Mexican Lager, in honour of the exhibition.
Ms Batterhams
10 MacKenzie Street, Bendigo
Delicious Polo tacos feature as part of the Fiesta Bendigo Taco Trail and pair beautifully with a cocktail or wine at this cosy underground bar and restaurant. It is set in the basement of the old school hall in McKenzie Quarters in the Bendigo Art Precinct. It showcases a southern-European inspired menu and has a warm ambiance.
Alium Dining
17 View Street, Bendigo
A fabulous menu features local produce and delicious dishes made with flair. Deciding what to indulge in is the difficult decision.
A three-course meal and specialty cocktails feature in the Fiesta Menu. A La Raspberry Margarita and an El Pescador with Tromba Tequila are memorable.
We shared crispy duck leg on bao buns, confit pork belly fillet and lamb backstrap. The peanut butter mousse and wattleseed and coconut crème brulee are outstanding.
It also boasts great views in central Bendigo and a chic interior. It’s the type of place you want to linger and enjoy a great dining experience.
Fiesta Tram
1 Tramways Avenue, Bendigo
Step inside this well restored vintage tram and cafe and you will find a beautiful flower-decked carriage specially decorated for the Fiesta season. The Golden “ice cream” Taco has a big following. The N-class tram used to operate throughout the Melbourne public tram system was built in 1916.
Terrae
10/12 View Street, Bendigo
Launched in March 2025 – Terrae restaurant is a sophisticated casual dining destination with a creative European menu and a warm ambiance. It is located in the iconic Hotel Ernest in the former bank in central Bendigo. The building has a colourful history – there are bullet holes near a window from the gold rush days when things got out of hand.
Regional produce shines here and the wine list is impressive. I dined on delicious zucchini flower with salted ricotta and fermented chili sauce and a delicious followed by tender char-grilled beef with a jungle bird cocktail. The Fiesta specials include a white corn tortilla with slow-cooked Victorian pork shoulder, apple and charred corn, herb and tomatillo salsa.
Try the Frida Sandi that reflects Kahlo’s love for watermelon and tequila – it’s a refreshing take on a margarita. The Harcourt tarte tatin with rosemary crumb and vanilla bean ice cream is a tasty finale.
Percy & Percy
110 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo
Situated on the site of a former historical grocery store built in the 1920s – Percy & Percy has that old school style corner store/milk bar vibe. It is a quaint cafe with a great menu, that is renowned for its coffee – the tasty breakfast El Percy Taco is a great start to the day.
Stay
Hotel Ernest
10/12 View Street, Bendigo
Formerly the site of Bendigo’s oldest bank built in 1864 – Hotel Ernest is a luxurious and modern boutique hotel with each suite featuring eclectic Australian art. It retains its original features including an underground cellar and bank vault. There are cosy nooks to sit and enjoy a wine from the lobby bar and a great ambiance. Our suite with a separate kitchenette reflects the owners love of art and comfort.
Located in the heart of the vibrant Arts Precinct, it is close to Rosalind Park and a short stroll to the Bendigo Art Gallery.
Frida Kahlo: In her Own Image
Bendigo Art Gallery
Until July 13, 2025
More information: Bendigo Fiesta
