The Feministing Five: San Francisco’s Frida Selfie Party

For this week’s Feministing Five, we headed to San Francisco’s Mission District for the annual Fiestas Fridas #SelFRIDA Challenge. A 21st century commemoration to Frida Kahlo and her incredible self-portraits, folks from across the Bay Area dressed up like Frida and took some great selfies. Frida photos await!

Currently in its third year, Fiestas Fridas celebrates Frida Kahlo’s life, artwork, and connection to the San Francisco Bay Area. Founder Erika Guzmán takes special pride in Frida’s fondness for her city. “Frida had many art successes here in San Francisco, as well as many lovers and her favorite doctor,” Erika told us. “San Francisco was one of the few places where they accepted her as she was.”

When we arrived at Alley Cat Books on Sunday evening, we found over 35 Fridas dressed up in varying regalia to take group selfies on the Mission’s Calle 24. Tagged #SelFRIDA, the photos referenced the power behind Frida’s self portrait works and the significance of the selfie in modern feminism. It was a beautiful and delightful event, as the Fridas smiled together for photos while onlookers cheered, “¡Viva Frida!” If you’re in the Bay, stop by Casa Bonampak tonight for “FRI-DiA de los Muertos.”

Below, you’ll see some of the great folks we met at #SelFRIDA and, yes, a selfie from yours truly.

Mela

MELA

“I wanted to celebrate Frida. Last week was her birthday and July 13th is the 61st anniversary of her death. I love her, she inspires me to be creative.

Every time I look at her presence I feel inspired to make art. When I feel down, I look her and remember the challenges that she faced as she created her art. I am reminded that things are going to be fine and to enjoy life.”

Flor de Azalea

FLOR DE AZALEA 

“I thought it was beautiful to pay homage to such a strong, powerful woman. It was especially powerful to see other Frida’s celebrating here today.

Frida means eccentricity, freedom, counter-culture.”

Monique

MONIQUE

“I dressed as her once before and it was a lot of fun. Also, she’s an artist and I’m a musician so I feel a special connection.

Frida is such a powerful force to admire, especially as I am also a Latina. She overcame her hospitalization through her art work and still made a name for herself in spite of her husband’s success.”

Juliana

JULIANA

“I’ve learned a lot about Frida this year and she has taught me how to empower yourself. No matter what happened to her, she saw the light in things.

Frida means empowerment and self-worth.”

Sharon

SHARON 

“I love her work and the meaning behind her work. Like Frida, I am also in a great deal of physical chronic pain and I see myself as her from years back. Frida wasn’t an “artist-artist,” she created art just to do it and express herself.

To me, Frida means passion.”

 

 

 

 

 

SUZANNA  

“I decided to celebrate Frida’s life by combining an everyday look for me (a simple red t-shirt) with my favorite Mexican embroidered skirts – tangible reminder of Mexico’s color, culture, and love. Although we normally think of Frida in her intricate gowns and head pieces, she could also wear jeans and a plain shirt. Remembering that Frida had a more “casual” side somehow soothes me.

Frida was my first example of a famous Mexican feminist. She was rebellious, daring, and stubborn — attributes that don’t exactly make up what a traditional ‘good Mexican daughter’ should be. For many years, my family would use Frida’s legacy as a mutual reference point to my burgeoning feminist politics and values. Sometimes, it would be in a positive way; sometimes, well, not so much. Now, it really means a lot when I see my family actively engage and support my interest in Frida and her artwork because it’s their way of showing their appreciation for my feminist work.

To me, celebrating Frida means celebrating how my Mexican family and heritage specifically influences my feminism. Bright colors, thick eyebrows, and all.”

(Special shout-out to Mary and Maureen who kindly lent me the hair flowers!)