Shaftesbury Capital unveils ¡Frida Icónica! mural collaboration with Tate Modern
Shaftesbury Capital has announced the launch of ¡Frida Icónica! on Carnaby Street, a landmark anamorphic mural created in collaboration with Tate Modern's highly anticipated exhibition, Frida: The Making of an Icon. The installation brings Frida Kahlo's extraordinary world of colour, queer identity and Mexican heritage to the heart of Soho, while reflecting Shaftesbury Capital's ongoing commitment to celebrating the area's rich cultural history and distinctive character.
The 3.25m x 2.5m anamorphic mural, located beneath the iconic Carnaby Street arch at the northern gateway, is composed of four portraits by Frida Kahlo and contemporary artists which come together to form Kahlo's iconic profile. Accompanying the artwork, the vibrant ‘papelpicado’ or ‘pierced paper’ – a traditional Mexican folk-art form – stretches the length of Carnaby Street, featuring motifs inspired by Kahlo's life and work. The installation will also transform from day to night, brought to life through illumination.
Carnaby Street and the wider Soho neighbourhood have long been recognised for their rich creative heritage and culture of self-expression. Home to an eclectic mix of independent galleries, design studios, concept stores and unique hospitality venues, the neighbourhood has built a global reputation as a destination where culture and retail naturally intersect. ¡Frida Icónica! serves as both a celebration of Soho's deep-rooted creative heritage and a reflection of the role the area continues to play in contemporary cultural moments.
The installation forms part of Shaftesbury Capital's wider approach to curating experiences that celebrate the unique identity of its destinations, creating moments that resonate with visitors while complementing Soho's best-in-class offer. By bringing internationally recognised cultural collaborations into the public realm, activations such as ¡Frida Icónica! reinforces Soho’s character as one of London's most vibrant and sought-after destinations.
Catherine Riccomini, Director of Marketing and Communications at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Welcoming ¡Frida Icónica! to Carnaby Street this summer is about creating a shared cultural experience for London that makes Soho and Carnaby Street unlike anywhere else in the city. It has been brilliant to collaborate with Tate Modern, bringing together two of London’s most celebrated cultural destinations to share Frida Kahlo’s life, art and legacy in the heart of the city. By bringing world-class culture into a vibrant public space, we hope to make art more accessible and part of the everyday experience of Londoners and visitors alike. ¡Frida Icónica! is a tribute to Frida Kahlo’s spirit and the richness of Mexican artistry and heritage and we hope it inspires everyone who encounters it.”
Catherine Wood, Interim Director of Tate Modern, said: "Tate exists to champion artists, and we passionately believe that everyone should have the right to access art for free. Collaborating with Shaftesbury Capital helps bring the remarkable work of Frida Kahlo into the creative heart of London, offering even more people the opportunity to discover her extraordinary journey from a little-known Mexican painter to a worldwide cultural phenomenon."
The installation is the latest example of how Shaftesbury Capital continues to place its destinations at the centre of cultural conversations shaping London and beyond. Following recent activations including Oasis and Harry Styles' Pleasing pop-ups, Carnaby Street has become a stage for some of the world's most sought-after brands, artists and cultural events, strengthening its appeal as one of London's most dynamic destinations.