Leo Matiz (1917-1998), a Colombian photographer, met and photographed Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) between 1940 and 1948 in the Coyoacán district of Mexico City, where the Mexican artist had lived since childhood.

Leo Matiz’s photographs capture a spontaneous and intense Frida Kahlo, beyond her physical and personal suffering. They also reveal a period of full artistic maturity for the photographer.

Through these images, Leo Matiz offers an intimate portrait of his friend, often capturing moments of her daily life whilst offering a glimpse of her strong personality.

Leo Matiz’s photographic vision resonates with Frida Kahlo’s intense spirit.

These are not just external portraits, but an encounter between two sensibilities. Frida Kahlo’s painting and Matiz’s photography are two paths of exploration into identity, pain, resilience and intimacy.  It is Leo Matiz’s discreet gaze, observing Frida Kahlo without intruding, allowing her to ‘exist’ before the lens.

The title “Two Souls” conveys a dual dimension: Frida Kahlo, through her painting, makes pain and the body elements of her artistic identity, whilst Leo Matiz, through his photography, seeks a sincere humanity beyond the myth.

Two major exhibitions will be dedicated to the artist Frida Kahlo in 2026: “Frida and Diego: The Last Dream” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (from March 21st to September 12th, 2026) and “Frida: The Making of an Icon” at the Tate Modern in London (from June 25th, 2026 to January 4th, 2027). On this occasion, a selection of photographs by Leo Matiz will also be on display at MoMA in New York.