Frida Kahlo has one of the world’s most recognizable faces.
The Mexican painter, born in 1907, is famous for her numerous self-portraits. But that’s not the only place you’ll find her likeness. Kahlo’s image is marketed on a wide variety of merchandise, from dolls to sneakers to high fashion. Kahlo’s iconic style has become a commodity. But does the commodification of her image contradict much of what the artist stood for?
People have long been fascinated with Kahlo’s striking appearance. Her bold eyebrows and floral crown are instantly recognizable. The artist is usually shown wearing bright, elaborate outfits.
Kahlo often dressed in the clothes of indigenous, or native, people of Central America to show her pride in her heritage.
The artist defined her own identity through her self-portraits. They depict fierce beauty and her own personal struggles. She also modeled for photos taken by other artists, including her father. Since her death in 1954, she has become
a symbol of female empowerment and vibrant self-expression.
Kahlo held strong political views. After a revolutionary war in Mexico, the artist firmly opposed capitalism, a type of political system in which private industries control trade. Today industries have created a global brand out of Kahlo’s image, providing opportunities for millions of people to enjoy it. But they’ve also made her a part of the economic system she opposed.
Kahlo used her appearance to share her complex identity and personal beliefs. Now, her self-made image is mass-produced for people all over the world to own.