I think they will only grow in popularity thanks to experiences like the Immersive Frida Kahlo. With Torontonians looking for more dynamic ways to socialize, the Lighthouse Immersive – located at 1 Yonge St. in Toronto – offers audiences an exciting new experience to enjoy art fully immersed in a space which resonates the specific style of a dedicated artist or concept. The Immersive Frida Kahlo experience focuses on major milestones in the life of late artist, Frida Kahlo (often referred to simply as Frida).
Frida (1907-1954) was born in Mexico City and is known for her resiliency throughout her life. She survived Polio in childhood and was left bedridden, at age 18, with a broken spinal column following a debilitating accident. These experiences, among others, are expertly highlighted in this immersive. The score was crafted so well, I found my body instinctively reactive to each segment. I swayed and hummed to Gabriella Ferri’s hauntingly beautiful ballad, Grazie Alla Vita (1974); my heart raced as the images intertwined with the melody of Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan’s Cielito Lindo (2021). This reaction was echoed in the bodies and faces of other spectators during this exhibition. Iconic paintings including The Wounded Deer (1946), Girl with Death Mask (1938) and Diego and I (1949) are among the collage of dancing projections brought to life by renowned master of digital art, Italy’s Massimiliano Siccardi and composer Luca Longobardi. Every inch of this art installation reflects a mood, time and place significant to the life of Frida Kahlo.
The immersive experience not only transports the audience to Mexico during Frida’s life, the space is open with a unique feature, the balcony. The balcony is located in the centre of the room and is upwards of 8 feet high, it is also fitted with glass which creates dynamic picturesque moments to capture. The imagery is so captivating that even self-professed camera-phobic people like myself would be hardpress to not take a few selfies.
Producer, Svetlana Dvoretsky, suggests this show should be experienced by women and we should get inspired! There is a lesson in the trials and triumphs present in Frida’s experiences; Dvoretsky posits, “women should be amazed by [Frida’s] love of life and in her ability to find beauty in life despite difficulty”. Dvoretsky highlights how Frida made statements out of struggles, including making the unibrow a notable staple of beauty in her signature look. Though this is an experience of female empowerment, this exhibit offers everyone a captivating glimpse into the life of Frida Kahlo. Her artistic journey explores her sexuality, her definition of beauty while incorporating her strong political views and emphasizing the people of greatest importance to Frida.
The Lighthouse Immersive is vastly expanding. They are already offering immersives across North America – in major markets like Toronto, Los Angeles and Chicago – and are in the process of expanding into the Asian market. As the immersive experiences evolve, audiences will soon be able to attend immersive, concert-like events which will allow greater accessibility to engaging with art, culture and music.
Overall the Immersive Frida Kahlo is a must-see art exhibition. You will walk away with a new appreciation for Frida, find beauty in her pain and feel inspired to explore your own creative expression.
