Portrait of Frida Kahlo Viva La Vida

This gorgeous little painting has a vivid, almost electric energy. The subject is strong and poised - as is my subject, one of my idols, Frida Kahlo. With flowers in her hair and a parrot on her shoulder, she commands attention with her steady gaze. The colours are bold and unapologetic, just like the woman herself: turquoise blues, fiery reds, and bursts of yellow give it a lively cinematic quality. The bustling street scene from Mexico city in the background feels like its bustling, an impressionistic dream, which makes Frida pop even more.

There’s a balance of strength and grace here - the sharp lines in her face and clothing contrast with the loose, almost fluid textures in the background and the bird’s feathers. It feels like a celebration of individuality, culture, and resilience, without tipping into sentimentality - again, just like Frida herself.

Painted onto stretched canvas and framed in Tasmanian Oak, I created this piece to light up your space and provide you with daily inspiration.

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Kerry Inkster is a distinguished visual artist celebrated for her profound exploration of women’s stories and experiences through mixed media. Her mission is to make art for quiet women who've been told to be smaller, so they can remember they have something powerful and valuable to offer the world. At the heart of her artistic practice lies an unwavering commitment to amplifying narratives that reflect the depth, complexity, and resilience inherent in womanhood.

Through her underwater photography, Inkster captures the transformative relationship between women and water—a powerful symbol of emotion, fluidity, and rebirth. Each photograph invites viewers to engage in introspection while revealing the challenges, triumphs, and intricacies that shape women's identities.

Her painting practice further delves into the complex tapestry of women's lives, utilising colour, form, and texture to embody the myriad emotions that accompany their diverse experiences. The layered canvases serve as a visual language, offering audiences a space for catharsis, inviting them to confront their relationships with themselves, femininity, power, and vulnerability.

Inkster's innovative techniques and emotive narratives foster meaningful dialogue surrounding gender and empowerment, while her commitment to community engagement includes volunteering at local galleries to nurture emerging talent.

A graduate of The South Australian School of Art / University of South Australia, Inkster has established herself as a significant figure in contemporary art, showcasing her work nationally and internationally in esteemed galleries and exhibitions, including an Artist Residency with Comebeck Ltd in Germany. A multiple award finalist, with her work housed in notable collections, she remains a pivotal voice in the art world.

Kerry Inkster currently resides in Fish Creek, Victoria, Australia, where she continues to evolve her artistic journey, dedicated to illuminating women’s voices and experiences.