Frida Kahlo: Artist or brand? - The Sunday Story

Frida Kahlo: Artist or brand? - The Sunday Story

Author: The Times March 8, 2026 Duration: 35:07

Thirty years after her death, Frida Kahlo went from relative obscurity to one of the most famous female artists on the planet. Now, her image has been used on everything from watches, scented candles, clothes, sanitary pads, and even Barbie dolls. But how did the communist icon become the face of a million dollar enterprise? At the centre of the story is a Kahlo family divided. Should her image reflect her artistic treasures or a global brand?


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Guest: Blanca Schofield, assistant culture and books editor for both The Times and The Sunday Times.

Host: Rosie Wright.

Producer: Dave Creasey.

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Read more: Artist — or brand? How Frida Kahlo’s family lost control

Photo: FridaMoji/Getty Images.

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