pioneers / you do you

WHERE’S THE CIRCUS?

Frida Kahlo, the iconic, bisexual, disabled Mexican artist, created some of the twentieth century’s most recognizable art. She was best known for self-portraits, which often included extremely graphic depictions of the female reality, including her own miscarriage.

During her lifetime, Frida, uncompromising both personally and politically, was not always understood, nor was she always respected. Known for her colorful wardrobe, mainly comprised of traditional Tehuana dresses, she certainly stood out. Children on the street would call out after her, “Donde está el circo?” or “Where is the circus?” Each time, she would simply respond with a smile.

This anecdote represents how little attention Frida paid to the conventions of her day; she didn’t care what was popular or politically correct, an attitude that permeates her daring art. Despite being misunderstood as both a woman and a Mexican artist during her lifetime, her legacy endures to this day. Frida became the first twentieth-century Mexican artist whose work was acquired by the Louvre. In 2016, sixty-two years after her death, her painting Two Nudes in a Forest was sold by Christie’s auction house for $8 million.

Today, bask in Frida’s energy. Wear what you want, create what you want, and do what you want to do because you want to. Let your unapologetic sense of self be what leads you to your greatness.