What Would Frida Do?

Join us for a special talk and artist reception at the Burning Bush Art Gallery (216 N Main St., Wheaton, Ill.), with Artists Gerardo Madrigal and Jade Nava, in celebration of the month-long exhibit entitled, “What Would Frida Do?” The exhibit’s is coordinated by Grassroots Latino organization, Immigrant Solidarity DuPage Cultural Committee (Comite de Cultura), the Wheaton Arts Council and DuPage Foundation.

The exhibit explores the theme of Immigration, globalization, identity and other contemporary Latino issues and their local relevance in DuPage County. The exhibit will reflect on the social commitment of Frida Kahlo, while featuring the artwork of local painters Jade Nava of Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood and Gerardo Madrigal of Aurora. The exhibit will feature images of Frida Kahlo at marches, picket lines and rallies and seeks to empower local artists inspired by the legacy Frida- promoting and setting the stage for a radical promotion of the arts and culture in the Latino community particularly for artists like Nava and Madrigal with a social conscience, that is, something meaningful to say about nature, society and thought today.

“We hope, with this exhibit, to reflect upon Frida’s activism, working class internationalism and commitment to the poor and oppressed, which is often forgotten in the commercial “Fridamania,” says Cristobal Cavazos of Immigrant Solidarity DuPage, “while remembering the plight, struggles and aspirations of the Mexican community during this era of political polarization.” Says event co-organizer Gabriela Hernandez Chico, “We would like to imagine what Frida would be doing in this era of xenophobia, kids in cages at the border and ICE raids targeting Frida’s own Latino people- of whom she was very proud” “I think we know that Frida wouldn’t be neutral, nor would powerful vested corporate interests keep her quiet- we know that she would have a lot to say and we will imagine Frida here today”

“Burning Bush Art Gallery exists to inspire reflection and compassionate acts,” Says Tony Asta of Burning Bush Art Gallery, “The “What Would Frida Do?” exhibit aims to honor the creativity and the contemplative spirit of Frida Kahlo while also highlighting modern-day local artists.”

With Mexican snacks and refreshments and information on the Dupage Immigrant Rights Movement and Latino initiatives.

About Immigrant Solidarity DuPage: A grassroots Latino immigrant rights and cultural organization formed in Glendale Heights in 2007: Our mission is to educate, organize, and mobilize DuPage County around the rights and collective struggles of the Latino community.