Commerce to unveil new Frida Kahlo mural Wednesday
COMMERCE, CA — A new mural honoring artist Frida Kahlo will be unveiled Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Commerce City Hall, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 5 to 6 p.m., according to a city press release.
The event will feature food, mariachi music and folklorico performances by local students.
Los Angeles artist Nerv said the mural reflects Kahlo’s strength and creativity. Nerv began his career in the street art scene of Southeast Los Angeles and said he was inspired to create the mural after visiting Kahlo’s former home, La Casa Azul, in Mexico City.
"I wanted to incorporate some of her artwork in it,” Nerv said earlier this year. “She represented strength, power, going against the grain.”
The mural is part of the city’s Art in Public Places program, funded through development impact fees and sales tax revenue, which commissions local artists to create works across Commerce including murals, painted utility boxes, and even shadow art.
The program aims “to transform blank walls and streets into bold, visual reflections of community identity,” according to the city.
Among Nerv’s recent works are Citadel & Casino Sunset on Washington Boulevard, a piece featuring silhouettes of the Citadel Outlets and Commerce Casino, a Star Wars mural at a local car dealership, and a painted utility box at Rosewood Park inspired by childhood rides aboard Commerce buses from his home in Bell Gardens.
Commerce Mayor Ivan Altamirano said more public art projects are coming as the city moves forward with plans to establish a formal arts district.
“Our vision has always been to center art as part of everyday life in Commerce,” Altamirano said in the press release. “With this new chapter, we’re continuing to tell our story, honor our roots and create a visual legacy for future generations.”
“I believe art speaks to your soul,” Altamirano told the SELA Sun earlier this year. “It awakens people. It inspires you. It gives you hope.”
Residents can view a gallery of Commerce’s public art here.
