A sweeping new assessment of Frida Kahlos place in modern art, from her self-made image to her lasting influence for contemporary artists Few artists have shaped popular culture as profoundly as Mexican painter Frida Kahlo (19071954), whose striking self-portraits and deeply personal symbolism have captivated audiences for decades. Remembered, too, for her tumultuous marriage to fellow artist Diego Rivera and her passionate political activism, Kahlos legacy transcends her artistic oeuvre. To this day, contemporary artists draw on Kahlos life and work for creative inspiration. Showcasing Kahlos paintings alongside the work of other artists from around the world and from midcentury to today, Frida: The Making of an Icon investigates the profound and lasting nature of Kahlos impact. With essays by leading researchers, scholars, and curators, Frida: The Making of an Icon is the first major examination of how Kahlo became a global icon and an important artistic influence, especially beginning in the 1970s. In seven sections, addressing themes from Kahlos role as a gender-fluid intellectual to her political activism, and including conversations with contemporary artists Magali Lara and Mónica Mayer, this important book celebrates and bridges the complexities of her iconic status and cultural, political, commercial, and artistic legacy. Published in association with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Exhibition Schedule: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (JanuaryMay 2026) Tate Modern, London (June 2026January 2027)
