Six Frida Kahlo-inspired murals have popped up around London's South Bank, created by emerging artists under 25. They coincide with Tate Modern's upcoming blockbuster exhibition 'Frida: The Making of an Icon', opening on Thursday June 25.
Background and Inspiration
When Frida Kahlo was a teenager in 1920s Mexico, she was inspired by the huge, colourful murals that were lighting up the streets. These were part of the post-revolutionary government's strategy to unify the country through inspiring images of Mexico's rich cultures and history. Kahlo was mesmerised by the work of her future husband Diego Rivera, who painted a mural at her school. However, she later chose to work on a smaller, more intimate scale. Now, a new generation of young artists are bringing Kahlo's visions to London's streets, translating her themes, hues, and politics into bold outdoor art.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition 'Frida: The Making of an Icon' is already the highest pre-selling exhibition in Tate Modern's history, with over 35,000 tickets sold. The murals will spread awareness and remain in place for several years.
Additional Installations
Beyond the South Bank murals, head to Soho's Carnaby Street to find '¡Frida Icónica!', a vibrant public art installation by Mexican artist Alejandra Ballesteros. It features garlands of traditional papel picado (cut paper) decorated with scenes from Kahlo's life and work, and a central anamorphic image. Also, look for reimagined takes on Kahlo's work at Blackfriars station and on the giant screens of Piccadilly Circus.
Full List of Frida Kahlo-Inspired Art Locations
- 'Paisajes Mexicanos' by Amy Almeida, at 25 Sumner Street, SE1 9JA
- 'Dining Table' by Eddie Donaldson, at 28 Great Suffolk Street, SE1 0UE
- 'Tea Break (Expanded)' by Milena de Rosa, at 55 Ewer Street, SE1 0NR
- 'Rooted in Play' by Helena Samarasinghe, at 30 Great Guildford Street, SE1 0HS
- 'Long Live London' by Gloria Da Silva, at 28 Southwark Street, SE1 1TU
- 'Here and Now' by Sharloola, at 5 Green Dragon Court, SE1 9AW
- Blackfriars mural at Thames Path, Blackfriars Station, SE1 8NJ
- Piccadilly Circus display visible at 20:30pm on Saturday June 20
- '¡Frida Icónica!' by Alejandra Ballesteros, at Carnaby Street, Soho (Thursday June 25-September)
