Book SummaryWhat Would Frida Do?, by Arianna Davis

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of What Would Frida Do?

Identity and authenticity

Frida Kahlo demonstrated her profound respect for her Mexican roots and ancestral culture through her distinctive artwork, her choice of cultural attire, and her involvement in societal causes.

Davis highlights Frida's deep-seated reverence for her Mexican heritage and indigenous roots, which she expressed through her artistry, distinctive fashion, and political engagement. The exhibition of cultural symbols was pivotal in shaping her viewpoint on art and her approach to life.

Frida incorporated elements of her Mexican roots, such as customary clothing and spiritual icons, into her unique style and artistic creations.

Davis emphasizes Kahlo's consistent and intentional incorporation of traditional Mexican elements into both her art and personal style. She chose to wear traditional attire such as huipil-style tunics that showcase indigenous heritage, complemented by skirts featuring detailed embroidery, and conventional shawls. Frida's selection of clothing, inspired by her mother's heritage and the everyday people, was not only aesthetically striking but also a purposeful expression of her cultural identity, defying the dominant European style trends. Frida Kahlo frequently incorporated aspects of Mexico's spiritual traditions into her art, drawing inspiration from small devotional paintings known as votives and incorporating symbols and figures from the country's myths and religious beliefs. Frida embraced her Mexican heritage, defying the prevailing European standards in art and culture by incorporating these aspects into her creative work and distinctive fashion.

Practical Tips

• Host a cultural exchange potluck with friends where each person brings a dish that represents their cultural background. Use this as an opportunity to discuss the significance of each dish and the traditional elements that make it unique. This fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures within your social circle.
• Explore your heritage through clothing by researching traditional garments from your family's cultural background and incorporating elements into your daily wardrobe. This could mean adding a scarf with a traditional pattern to your outfit or choosing jewelry that reflects your heritage. It's a subtle yet powerful way to connect with your roots and express your identity.

Other Perspectives

• It's possible to argue that her clothing choices were influenced by a variety of factors, including personal taste and artistic sensibility, in addition to cultural expression.
• The use of the word "defy" might overstate Kahlo's opposition to European trends; it could be seen as an integration or reclamation of her cultural identity within the broader art world, which included European influences.

Frida's identity and artistic expression were deeply shaped by her dedication to communist ideals and her resistance to colonial forces.

Frida Kahlo's steadfast commitment to communist ideals and her staunch resistance to colonialism deeply shaped her sense of self and her creative output, as Davis highlights. Kahlo's perspective on existence was deeply shaped by her early years in Mexico during the revolutionary period, witnessing the struggles of the laboring populace and the impact of colonial rule. Frida's paintings often reflected her political beliefs, challenging societal norms, critiquing capitalist methods, and celebrating the resilience of the people of Mexico. In "My Dress Hangs There," Frida Kahlo juxtaposes her traditional Mexican clothing with symbols of American industrialism and consumer culture, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her Mexican roots and simultaneously offering a critique of American social standards. Her steadfast dedication to numerous revolutionary movements and her connection with a prominent political group in Mexico highlight how profoundly her activism influenced her life and creative pursuits.

Practical Tips

• Write a short story or poem that personifies the clothing and objects you use daily, imagining them in a dialogue about their origins and significance. For example, a traditional garment could 'talk'...

What Would Frida Do? Summary Creative expression

Frida channeled her personal experiences into art, using it as a vehicle for self-expression.

Davis argues that Frida Kahlo's creations were not just a vehicle for creative expression but also a deeply personal tool for traversing the complex and occasionally troubling experiences that shaped her life. She expressed her diverse emotions, encompassing fear, joy, and sorrow, through sincere and candid representations in her art. Her work deeply connects with viewers, breaking through the confines of time and culture, because of its deeply personal nature.

During an extended convalescence after a catastrophic incident, Frida channeled her energy into art, expressing her intense physical and emotional suffering through her works.

The writer highlights the way Frida transformed her pain and distress from the accident into the foundation of her artistic expression. During her extended recovery, Frida Kahlo turned to the canvas to express her pain, boredom, and isolation. Frida's portrayal of her own experiences offered a unique perspective on coping with chronic pain and disabilities, illustrating her physical limitations and the array of medical interventions she...

What Would Frida Do? Summary Relationships and emotional bonds

Her passionate and stormy relationship with Diego Rivera had a profound impact on the course of her life.

The life of Frida Kahlo was deeply shaped by her tumultuous and passionate relationship with Diego Rivera, a detail that Davis accurately acknowledges. Frida's romantic endeavors, characterized by profound happiness and severe heartache, significantly influenced her creative output and individual development.

Frida and Diego's union was shaped by their notable age gap, differing looks, and distinct temperaments.

The author elaborates on several elements that added layers to their intricate bond, including a significant age gap with Diego being twenty years senior to Frida, a stark contrast in their physical looks with comparisons often made between him as an elephant and her as a dove, and the divergence in their individual characters. Their relationship was marked by a profound and fervent bond, filled with intense love, strong jealousy, and a continuous struggle for independence and control. Despite these inherent challenges, their bond persisted even amidst infidelity and the termination of their matrimonial union.

Context

• The age gap may have...

What Would Frida Do? Summary Resilience and coping with adversity

Frida faced considerable emotional hardships and bodily obstacles with steadfast resolve and courage.

Davis underscores the enduring legacy of Frida Kahlo, showcasing her unwavering determination and strength despite constant challenges. Frida Kahlo demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout her life, enduring significant physical suffering and constraints, starting with a battle against polio in her youth and subsequently a devastating bus accident, which necessitated multiple surgeries and medical treatments. Frida Kahlo channeled her suffering into creative expression, living life with fervent passion and a steadfast demeanor despite the many challenges she encountered.

Frida faced many challenges due to disabilities and persistent pain originating from a catastrophic collision involving a bus during her early years, yet she determined that these difficulties would not dictate her identity.

The author describes the aftermath of a bus accident in her youth, which resulted in numerous injuries such as a broken pelvis and spine, and led to enduring pain and physical limitations that required repeated surgical interventions and constant healthcare for the duration...

What Would Frida Do? Summary Accepting one's own sexual identity.

Frida boldly pursued relationships with individuals regardless of gender, doing so with unabashed openness.

Davis acknowledges the significant impact Frida's sexuality had on her life, highlighting her unabashed embrace of her own desires and the complex web of relationships she maintained with a range of people. Kahlo's defiance of societal expectations regarding love and sexual identity, particularly in the context of her time, established her as an icon of feminism, championing personal freedom and the right to self-expression.

Frida bravely sought happiness and actively engaged with individuals of diverse gender identities, driven by her singular passion.

The writer depicts the relationships that Frida Kahlo formed with individuals of different genders as genuine pursuits of her own aspirations and a firm conviction in her right to pursue happiness and fulfillment based on her own values, rather than mere rebellious gestures. The iconic artist Frida Kahlo bravely challenged the conventions and expectations of her time, which frequently imposed traditional gender roles, by embracing her autonomy and dismissing the idea that her actions should be limited by these...

What Would Frida Do? Summary Community and friendship

Frida's relationships with those close to her were instrumental in fostering her creative spirit and providing the support she needed throughout her life.

As Davis argues, the renowned artist's life was marked not only by her achievements in the art world and her staunch political stances but also by the deep and meaningful relationships she forged with family and friends. Frida discovered comfort and creative stimulation through a robust circle of steadfast, understanding friends who shared an exuberant passion for living during her times of greatest adversity.

Frida's path in both her personal life and artistic expression was deeply shaped by her complex and enduring relationship with her sister Cristina.

Frida held her bond with her sister Cristina dear, despite the complexities introduced by Cristina's romantic involvement with Diego. Frida maintained a strong connection with her sister, enduring through significant adversity. They navigated the difficult situations with understanding and forgiveness, ultimately building a bond that became not only more resilient but also more intricate following the tribulations. The insights that highlight the importance of...