art
The Guardian view on Frida Kahlo the icon: a thin line between canonisation and commercialisation
The Mexican artist’s legacy is far greater than the kitsch. She is a much-loved symbol of rebellion and resilience
TL;DR
- Tate Modern's Frida Kahlo exhibition is the highest pre-selling show in its history, exploring her rise to global fame.
- Kahlo's image is widely commercialized, appearing on numerous products, and her art has broken sales records.
- Her icon status stems from her art, political defiance, personal freedom, feminism, gender fluidity, and disability.
- Other exhibitions at Tate Modern and the National Portrait Gallery also feature female icons like Tracey Emin and Marilyn Monroe, raising questions about artistic legacy versus commercial branding.
- The article suggests that while artists like Kahlo and Monroe transcended victimhood to become heroic figures through their work, their iconic status should not eclipse their artistic achievements.