Frida Kahlo Rediscovered in San Francisco

Unfinished History

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

Portrait of Frida Kahlo with Rene Yañez.

Painting by A. Montiel.

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

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

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

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

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

Image: Neighborhood Arts Program, San Francisco Arts Commission