“I am my own muse, the subject I know best,” (Mexican Painter Frida Kahlo).
According to Secretary of the Latino Student Organization Liv Peavey, Kahlo’s life and her painting style can be described as such:
“Frida Kahlo was a famous Mexican painter who lived in the early 1900s. Some of her painting styles were surrealism and magical realism. She was injured in a bus accident at a young age and dealt with the consequences for her whole life. Her struggles in marriage and her physical ailments are apparent in her work. She is remembered most for her stunning self-portraits. One notable thing about her is the flower crowns and traditional Tehuana dress she would wear.”
On Monday, Feb. 14 from 5-7 p.m., the Latino Student Organization held a “Frida’s Valentine’s Day” event in celebration of Kahlo and other famous Hispanic artists.
At the event, attendees made origami hearts and flower headbands, listened to Latin American music, and painted Valentine’s Day templates and different art pieces.
When asked why their organization decided to have this event on Valentine’s Day, LSO President Luna Mora said they wanted to provide an open invitation for the Samford community.
“We wanted to create a space where students who may not have plans for Valentine’s Day could come, eat delicious cupcakes and a variety of Latin American snacks, and be inspired by the art of renowned Hispanic artists such as Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso and Fernando Botero,” she said.
Vice President of LSO Natalia Meza Cortes also discussed her organization’s hopes for those who attended the event.
“We want all those who attended the event or heard about it to help us tear down stereotypes against racial/ethnic groups, learn to appreciate the different traditions and accomplishments of the Latino culture, and find a home in LSO,” she said.
Another goal behind this event was to renew LSO’s role as an organization centered on representation and community building.
“This year, through a lot of trial and error we have put great efforts to bring LSO back to life in order to represent and connect with students,” Cortes said. “This event was one way for us to do this and we want students to know that we are back, we are excited and our arms are wide open for anyone and everyone.”
Multicultural Affairs Committee Director Christa Chery discussed the importance of this event and why those in the Samford community should participate in events like LSO’s.
“The LSO event was important because it gave Latinx students the opportunity to share their culture’s art and food with the Samford community,”Chery said. “Not only were students afforded an opportunity to learn more about a culture that may be different from their own, but they also had a chance to kick back and enjoy Valentine’s Day with some new friends. As affinity groups like LSO continue to hold events like this, our Samford community is able to make better strides toward diversity, equity and inclusion!”
Staff Writer
