Frida: The Making of an Icon – exhibition more about fame than art

The exhibition "Frida: The Making of an Icon" at Tate Modern delves into how and why the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo became an icon. However, the critic argues that the exhibition focuses more on her fame than on her art.

Only 36 Kahlo works are on display, as many collectors, including Madonna, are reluctant to lend their pieces. To fill the gaps, the curators have included works by her contemporaries, such as her husband Diego Rivera, and artists from the 1970s onward who were inspired by Kahlo.

The critic highlights that Kahlo's self-portraits, such as "The Heart" (1937) and "Self-Portrait with Loose Hair" (1947), are deeply personal and reveal her physical and psychological suffering. However, these works are scarce in the exhibition, overshadowed by comics and pop culture homages.

While some artists like Tracey Emin have successfully emulated Kahlo's style, the critic notes that these works do not match the original. The exhibition concludes with Kahlo's painting "Self-Portrait with Dr. Farill" (1951), reminding viewers of her true talent.

The critic concludes that Kahlo's excessive iconic status has prevented audiences from truly appreciating her art. The show is more about myth than reality.