Muralist Juan Chawuk Unveils ‘Frida 2020’

Acclaimed Mayan artist Juan Chawuk recently unveiled 3D “Frida 2020” letters to be permanently displayed at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage in anticipation of the MAC’s upcoming Frida Kahlo exhibition opening in June 2020.

The MAC, in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, welcomed Chawuk the week of Aug. 5 as he recreated some of Frida’s most iconic works as part of the display. The final creation was unveiled during an Aug. 9 reception. View photos from the event.

“Frida Kahlo 2020” will feature an array of sketches and paintings spanning the career of Kahlo on loan from the Museo Dolores Olmedo. Best known for self-portraits highlighting themes of identity, politics, sexuality and death, Kahlo channeled her childhood and personal struggles into her art and became an icon of feminism, activism and Mexican heritage.

The last area showing of Kahlo’s works was in 1978 at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art in an exhibit that included pieces from the Museo Dolores Olmedo. The new immersive Frida Kahlo exhibit, featuring a more diverse collection of works, will transform the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, as well as the McAninch Arts Center Lobby and Belushi Performance Hall spaces. This will allow guests to experience more fully Kahlo and her continued worldwide influence.

Guests are invited to view Chawuk’s work at the MAC’s upcoming Frida Fest. The day-long outdoor celebration begins at noon Sunday, Sept. 8, on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., and will feature a variety of activities and featured entertainment in anticipation of the Frida Kahlo 2020 exhibition. The event also marks the first opportunity to purchase untimed entry tickets for the upcoming exhibition.

Read more about Frida Fest. (Press Photography Network/Special to College of DuPage)