Just before the lock-down in 2020, we went to see the Van Gogh immersive experience at the Lichthalle MAAG, on the site where the Maag Zahnräder factory used to be. It was nice, but somehow it got overshadowed by the situation.

So when we saw the ads for the Frida Kahlo Immersive Experience, we decided to go. I must admit I did not know much about her, I had seen the paintings of course, and read some quotes of hers, notably about André Breton and the European surrealists:

They are so damn “intellectual” and rotten that I can’t stand them anymore… I [would] rather sit on the floor in the market of Toluca and sell tortillas, than have anything to do with those “artistic” bitches of Paris.

I was expecting something similar to the previous exhibit in the place, it wasn’t. Where the Van Gogh visual experience followed the general structure of a gallery, with various art-pieces being projected and animated on walls, here there were two small paintings, a wall panel explaining Frida Kahlo’s life, and one huge room.

Painting and photographs were project on all the walls, but also the ceiling of this hall, with a feminine voice narrating the artist’s life-path. Given the intimate nature of the artworks, it made sense to me.

I found the experience really breathtaking, the colourful art certainly lends itself to light projections, and Frida Kahlo’s life is so interesting. It is certainly a worthwhile visit, although the entrance is a bit pricey.