The Two Faridas by Sadiq Mansor

The Two Fridas is an iconic self-portrait painting by Frida Kahlo shortly after her divorce with famous painter and love of her life, Diego Rivera. The portrait shows Frida’s two different personalities. One is the traditional Frida in Tehuana costume, with a broken heart, sitting next to an independent, modish Frida, the version Diego despised.

The subject of duality in a woman is apparent on first impression. A version loved, and a version heartbroken. One can also view the transition of this duality as something of a transformation. A metamorphosis of personality after a traumatic life-changing event.

The Two Faridas is a portrait of Sadiq's mother, Farida, commenting on her own transformation of self; not through heartbreak, but of spiritual conquest. A common transition in Malay culture for those living in modern cities like Singapore is having to comply with secular rules in education; to be dressed uniformly. Girls commonly do not don the hijab until they are truly ready to embrace a path towards the divine. 

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