Now is your chance to explore the National Museum of Mexican Art’s amazing exhibition, Women Artists of Modern Mexico: Frida’s Contemporaries. This critically-acclaimed collection encompasses the inspiring artwork of both popular and little-known painters, photographers, sculptors and muralists described as “revolutionary firebrands” and “compellingly feminine.”

After touring the exhibition, Sylvia Escárcega, Assistant Professor of Latin American and Latino Studies at DePaul University, builds on the recent and passionate controversy in Mexico surrounding conservative politicians who have recently been accused of misappropriating Frida Kahlo’s legacy. Her presentation focuses on the re-invention and commercialization of progressive thinkers from Frida to Che Guevara to Martin Luther King, Jr.

What is the difference between popularizing these significant historical figures and exploiting their message and imagefor corporate profit or political gain? Is their legacy static or constantly evolving? Who should have the power to voice their message? Do these individuals “belong” to particular political parties, racial and ethnic groups, or nations?

Recorded Saturday, August 18, 2007 at National Museum of Mexican Art.