I was today years old when I realized my favorite artists of all time are Hispanic. Gathering content for Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, I instantly thought about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The subject of my art dissertation. Dissecting her art has always been something I love, her paintings are a diary chronicling her arduous life. A pillar of strength and perseverance, she experienced and survived unimaginable physical, mental, and emotional pain. I’m livid to have missed her immersive art exhibit. As iconic as she is, many people don’t know her, causing the exhibit to end early as opposed to Claude Monet’s.
Once I had to tell this ignorant white Australian girl who she is. I went to Cubby Hole with my friend who claimed I only did gay things, not lesbian things to support her. Insert eye roll. Anyways we met these Australian tourists. The girl laughed at my name, micro aggression, then stopped realizing nothing was funny. We got on the topic of my paper and I told her about Frida, she found this an odd name too. After I chastised her about not knowing one of the most famous artist of all time, it quickly dawned on her that she’s uncultured. She felt sheepish, explaining life back home was white af. That night she learned she had a lot to learn and it wasn’t cool, cute, or funny. I on the other hand learned I’m New York af, in that pretentious Manhattanite way. I was serving you’re uncultured swine energy in her direction. She caught the vibe.
Next is my Haitian twin Jean Michel Basquiat, his mother is Puerto Rican. His art is less a diary and more of a social commentary. His iconic crown adorns my body and many others. So many people have it tattooed I might do a piece on it. He’s one of my spirit guides and the only person to experience an upbringing similar to mine, especially socially. Both of us outliers of systemic racism education wise. A New York classic.
These are the artists I post the most. Brooding Hispanics, with signature styles that make them classic Halloween costumes, as well as icons. Fascinating, inspiring lives. Extremely talented. Cool af. Have you seen any of their exhibits? Via: Real Frida Kahlo, Basquiat Official, Frida Kahlo, Innovate Grant & Fondation Beyeler