It is hard to find a
more diverse city than Los Angeles. Part of its history lives in many of its
inhabitants of Mexican ancestry. The life and art of Mexican artist Frida Khalo
have touched the hearts of people around the world. She is celebrated in Mexico
for her attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and by feminists for her
depiction of the female experience and form.
Marisol de las Casas
and Miguel Angel Rios, plastic artists, organized a unique event celebrating
Frida's life and Mexican art crafts. This was a colorful day that included
poetry, theater, music, and artwork. The sold-out event occurred at the
Torrance Cultural Arts Center under the banner of "Los Moles de
Frida."
Hundreds of visitors
enjoyed and talked to the artist that showed the several styles found only in
certain villages across our southern neighbor country. Among the artist group,
we saw impressive labor that requires immense talent. The embroidery works of
Juan Varela (Arte Mixtlan) exude delicate threadwork that looks like a painting
from a distance. The intricacy of the designs and the careful selection of hues
make Juan's work worthy of any Museum collection. From Arkansas came Isaac
Helguera, whose work incorporates the Olinala Artcraft style from Guerrero,
Mexico. His oil paintings reflect the moods of the Mexican icon Frida. Rudy
Shamanatl creates unique Papier -Mache
sculptures, and for this show, he made a unique piece that incorporated many of
Frida's life moments. The paper pulp work was carefully manipulated and colored
to express the subject's suffering. Chicana artist Grace Barraza Vega was there
as well with her colorful portraits. Actress Samantha Ledezma Montenegro came
from Austin TX, to perform on stage the play Viva la Vida, based on Frida's
life. Poet Claudia Marquez delivered short stories throughout the day that
delighted the audience.
The "Moles de
Frida" combined in a single day all art forms for people of all ages to
enjoy. It continues the appreciation that so many people have towards the woman
that change the status quo. Stay tuned for next year's event.
