Frida Kahlo’s Legacy: Exploring Art, Food, and Coffee in Dallas
In the heart of downtown Garland, a hidden gem awaits behind a nondescript door on West Walnut Street. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as the sound of espresso machines hum in the background. Among the light chatter of patrons, barista Krystal Tran expertly crafts a signature drink known as the Frida Latte. This concoction blends a shot of espresso with milk, Mexican vanilla bean extract, cane sugar, and a marshmallow-flavored foam, creating a unique and flavorful experience for coffee enthusiasts.
The brainchild behind this creative coffee concoction is Zoya Elisura, the owner of Cafe Frida. Alongside her husband Gerardo Hernandez, they opened the cafe in February, aiming to capture the essence of Frida Kahlo’s spirit. Elisura describes the cafe as having a “cozy, Cancun” vibe, complete with a vibrant wall mural featuring the iconic Mexican painter herself. In the mural, Frida is depicted wearing papaya earrings and a colorful flower crown, accentuating her famous unibrow.
Elisura’s admiration for Kahlo stems from the artist’s resilience in the face of adversity. “I can relate to her hardships,” Elisura shares. “This woman is so resilient. I mean, look at her years and years later, she is still a legend. When you see her face and bold eyebrows, everybody knows her.” It is this enduring legacy that continues to draw people to Kahlo’s story and artistry.
Beyond Cafe Frida, Kahlo’s influence can be seen throughout Dallas in various forms. From murals adorning the city’s walls to T-shirts featuring her iconic eyebrows, her cultural relevance transcends time. One such establishment that pays homage to Kahlo is Frida’s Tacolandia, a restaurant in West Dallas founded by Gabriel Anaya and Jose ‘Charlie’ Gonzalez. Opened in January 2022, the eatery celebrates Kahlo through authentic Mexican cuisine and vibrant decor.
Papel picados and piñatas adorn the ceiling of Frida’s Tacolandia, while portraits and quotes from Kahlo cover every inch of the restaurant’s walls. Anaya shares one of Kahlo’s powerful quotes, “‘Los pies los quiero si tengo alas para volar’ – ‘Why do I want feet if I have wings to fly.’ That tells you everything, you got your own wings. Use them!” It is this empowering message that resonates with fans of Kahlo, who find solace and inspiration in her art and life story.
Kahlo’s impact extends beyond the realm of art museums and history books, as evidenced by the Dallas Museum of Art’s 2017 exhibition, “Mexico 1900-1950.” Featuring one of Kahlo’s most renowned works, “The Two Fridas,” the show attracted thousands of visitors, making it the second most-visited exhibition in the museum’s history. Building on this success, the museum plans to host a solo exhibition dedicated to Kahlo this August, titled “Frida: Beyond the Myth.”
Eugene McDermott director Agustin Arteaga, who is co-curating the upcoming exhibition, emphasizes Kahlo’s transformative influence on society. “She was a trailblazer, she really transformed 20th-century society as she transformed herself,” Arteaga reflects. Through 60 works by Kahlo, along with photographs and artifacts from her life, the exhibition aims to present Kahlo as a multifaceted individual beyond the myths and legends that surround her.
Arteaga’s goal is to showcase Kahlo’s humanity and talent, highlighting her ability to turn suffering into art. “There’s flesh and heart and talent and suffering,” he notes. Kahlo’s resilience and unwavering spirit have made her a role model for many, particularly in her portrayal of motherhood despite her own struggles with infertility. “She never had children, but I think that somehow it looks like she has adopted everyone that feels attracted to her,” Arteaga muses.
“Frida: Beyond the Myth” is set to run from August 18 to November 17 at the Dallas Museum of Art, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Kahlo’s life and legacy. As fans and admirers continue to flock to exhibitions, cafes, and restaurants honoring Kahlo, her enduring influence on art, culture, and society remains a testament to her timeless appeal.
Frida Kahlo’s legacy lives on in Dallas, where art, food, and coffee converge to celebrate the indomitable spirit of a true icon. From the cozy confines of Cafe Frida to the vibrant atmosphere of Frida’s Tacolandia, Kahlo’s presence is palpable, inspiring all who encounter her story. As visitors immerse themselves in Kahlo’s artistry and life, they are reminded of her resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
