Needa Frida? We’ve Got Plenty.

An exhibit entitled the “Frida Model Search” at Galeria de la Raza showcased a group of Frida Kahlo doppelgängers, dressed and styled like the popular artist. We thought the idea was pretty cool, especially since the models chosen from the search would participate in living tableaux of some of Frida’s paintings.

The project also brought to mind how much Frida has become something of a costume, and not so much person, as her fame and notoriety have grown over time. She’s become as much of an image as her artwork.

So, what does Frida “mean?” It’s almost like she’s not an artist or a historic figure so much as a marketing gimmick (See: Exhibits A, B and C). Which is fine, of course. Pop culture’s free to own and distribute Frida Inc. as it sees fit. But what does this say about Mexican or Latino cultures? That it’s so easily read and identified as to be reduced to a logo on a sneaker or a name and face slapped onto a bottle of tequila?

No se. Still, it’s a cool project. And maybe that’s all that matters.

Calling all Fridas [Flickr]