BECOMING FRIDA KAHLO

BBC Two, 9pm

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s vivid colours, expressive strokes, eclectic personal style and those thick, all-knowing eyebrows (all represented in 1940’s Self-portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird), have made her an icon: immortalised in everything from Paperchase stationery to gallery exhibitions and documentaries. This three-parter (boxsetted on iplayer) attempts to tell us things that we don’t already

know, by delving into the woman, who died in 1954, behind the art: through archive footage, photography and interviews with relatives and experts, we’re told about her early days as a rebellious schoolgirl and her relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera that came to define her life and work. Viewers who are new to Kahlo’s work will find much to enjoy here, but for long-term admirers, a lot of

the detail seems little more than a recap than fresh appraisal – particularly grating when told through voice-overs (reading from Kahlo’s diaries) that attempt to put a modern, romcomesque spin on her innermost thoughts. In comparison, previously unseen photographs of Kahlo are the most interesting things here – a visual reminder of a revolutionary who the world still struggles to understand.

The Mexican artist has captivated the public for decades with her bright strokes and unique style