Frida: The Making of an Icon – Exhibition Introduction is a live online lecture presented by Art History in Focus, offering an insightful preview of Tate Modern’s landmark exhibition dedicated to the life, work, and global legacy of Frida Kahlo.
Few artists have captured the public imagination as powerfully as Frida Kahlo. Born in Mexico City in the years following the Mexican Revolution, Kahlo developed a deeply personal artistic language rooted in Mexican culture, indigenous traditions, political engagement, and lived experience. Her extraordinary self-portraits remain among the most recognisable images in modern art, exploring themes of identity, resilience, family, physical suffering, and self-expression.
Led by renowned art historian Siân Walters, this lecture examines the key themes and highlights of Tate Modern’s exhibition before it opens to the public. Featuring more than thirty paintings by Kahlo, including rarely seen self-portraits, the exhibition traces her transformation from a relatively little-known artist into a global cultural icon. Alongside her artworks, visitors will encounter photographs, personal artefacts, and works by artists inspired by her enduring influence.
The session will explore Kahlo’s carefully constructed public identity, her relationship with Surrealism, her role within Mexican and feminist cultural movements, and the continuing reinterpretation of her legacy by contemporary artists. It also considers the remarkable evolution of her image into a worldwide cultural phenomenon and the complex questions surrounding its commercialisation.
The lecture lasts approximately one hour and includes a live question-and-answer session. A recording will be available for registered participants who are unable to attend live, allowing access for a limited period following the event.
Event Details
Hosted by: Art History in Focus
Lecturer: Siân Walters
Date & Time: Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:00 PM (BST)
Format: Live Online Lecture
How to Attend
Register via the official event page:
Art History in Focus Event Registration
- Click “Book This Course/Event” and complete the online registration form.
- A Zoom registration link will be sent by email prior to the lecture.
- Participation fee: £10 per person.
- Bookings close the day before the event.
More Information
For more information about the organisations involved, please visit:
Image: Frida Kahlo, Untitled (Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird), 1940. Nickolas Muray Collection of Mexican Art.
