After a success with my first ‘Frida’ painted back in 2017, the time has come for something new.

This is ‘Smoking Frida’ seen through the lens of old glamour with my colourful twist on it. The idea of painting Kahlo smoking came from a my client who is also a big fan of Frida.

In present times, smoking has been stigmatised, but when you look at the old photographs of women smoking – such as Frida – it is worth considering the historical relationship between women and smoking.

“Once taboo for women, cigarettes became a symbol of female empowerment after World War I. Notwithstanding its lethality, smoking equalled liberation ”

                                                                                                           Howard Halle, Time Out

Below: 'Frida' (2017) by Marta Hutt

After my first ‘Frida' portrait (2017) became a huge bestseller and even got featured on the cover of Your Home Magazine in March 2018, Frida trend really exploded into the world of home décor. Recently so many artists paint Frida, often using the same photograph of Frida which I’ve used years ago. You can also see a lot of graphic designers using the same photograph for creating art prints as well.

I’ve adored Frida since I was a kid and to me she is not a trend, she is here to stay. But seeing so many people doing what I’ve done, over and over again can feel a bit disheartening. So here is my new ‘Smoking Frida’ reimagined in an old glamour way and as you’ve never seen her before.