Frida, a publishing case

To tell the story of the world’s most famous and acclaimed Mexican artist, offering a brand new point of view: this is the goal of the exhibition Frida Kahlo. Beyond the Myth , hosted at Mudec from Feb. 1 to June 3, 2018, an event rewarded by critical and public success beyond expectations, with more than 360,000 visitors.

A record-breaking exhibition, anticipated and enhanced by an equally extraordinary book: the graphic novel Frida Kahlo. Amoral operetta in comics, authored by Vanna Vinci and published by 24 ORE Cultura. A book that, since its first edition in 2016, has totaled more than 25,000 copies sold in Italy and 30,000 abroad, has been translated into 5 languages (Korean, English, German, French, Spanish), and has won a place of honor among the publisher’s best-selling books in recent years.

The book is a comic strip narrative that traces the art and life of Frida Kahlo: from her childhood marked by polio to the accident that changed her existence forever, through her legendary marriage to Diego Rivera and the discovery of a painting that became a mirror of her interiority. The narrative unfolds through an imaginary and profound dialogue between Frida and Death, a central symbol in Mexican culture and a constant presence in the life of an artist who knew how to transform pain and suffering into a creative engine.

The book alternates cartoon sequences with illustrated plates inspired by Frida’s everyday world and imagery, populated with memories and symbols, animals and folkloric characters. The pencil of Vanna Vinci, who has already been able to immortalize great women and artists, masterfully interprets the extraordinary story of such a charismatic character, whose life and art have entered the collective imagination and to the point of becoming a true pop icon.

In 2022, the book was reprinted in a new edition, updated and enriched with new illustrations and texts collected in precious packaging. This volume is not only a tribute to one of the most beloved artists ever, but also an example of how publishing can amplify and renew the appeal of an immortal figure.