Rimple Thadani

“Beyond the Canvas: Translating Frida Kahlo’s Art into lmmersive Spaces” is a master’s thesis in Architecture Design that explores how set design techniques can transform two dimensional paintings into three dimensional, experiential environments. The project reimagines the emotionally charged and symbolically rich artworks of Frida Kahlo as spatial narratives, allowing viewers to step into her world both physically and emotionally. By selecting four significant paintings that reflect key
phases of Kahlo’s life including themes of identity, pain, duality, and resilience – the thesis investigates how space can act as a medium for storytelling and emotional connection. Through the dissection of visual elements such as perspective, scale, layering, and symbolism, the thesis translates Kahlo’s pictorial language into immersive installations. These spatial interpretations aim to evoke the emotional atmosphere of each painting while maintaining cultural authenticity and biographical depth. Drawing on the methodologies of set design, the research merges the fields of art, architecture, and performance to bridge the gap between visual art and environmental experience. Ultimately, this thesis advocates for a deeper emotional engagement with art, where the boundary between viewer and artwork dissolves in favor of a lived, felt experience.