Frida Kahlo Rediscovered in San Francisco

Unfinished History

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Mural of Frida Kahlo on back of Irish bar at 25th and Valencia, 2017.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

Longtime San Francisco artist and curator Rene Yañez recounts his efforts to bring attention to Frida Kahlo starting in the 1970s, a time when she was not yet the international icon she is now.

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Video: interview by Adriana Camarena, edited by Emma P. McAvoy

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Portrait of Frida Kahlo with Rene Yañez.

Painting by A. Montiel.

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Local shop on 24th Street in the Mission specializing in Mexican artesania, with heavy presence of Frida Kahlo dolls, clothing, imagery, etc.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Dozens of books and monographs have been published about Frida Kahlo in the past few decades.

Display by Rene Yañez at his one-man show at the Luggage Store Gallery, 2018; Photo: Chris Carlsson

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A small fraction of the plethora of Frida Kahlo merchandise now available, displayed here during Rene Yañez's one-man show at the Luggage Store Gallery in spring 2018.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Yet another local business trading on Frida Kahlo's image.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Pele de Lappe describes working with Frida Rivera

interview by Chris Carlsson

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Frida Kahlo benefit for Women's Building murals, c. 1979.

Image: Neighborhood Arts Program, San Francisco Arts Commission