To Frida

• Photographer
  Tian Liu
• Technical Info
  Digital, Full Frame
• Photo Date
  May 2022

“To Frida” is a portrait series inspired by Frida Kahlo’s visual language—particularly her self-portrait in a man’s suit. This work inverts that gesture by placing a straight man in a similarly symbolic space—adorned with florals, surrounded by softness—not as imitation, but as a tribute to her resistance. Through styling, gaze, and color, the series questions traditional masculinity and how tenderness can exist without apology. It asks: what does it mean for a man to be seen through a woman’s lens? And what if softness is not weakness, but rebellion?

Tian Liu is a Chinese photographer, inspired by her living experiences between China and the U.S. Her work delves into identity, belonging, and gender, challenging societal norms and exploring personal and collective stories. Through her photography, Liu captures the nuances of cultural and personal narratives, aiming to connect individual experiences with larger societal themes. She received her M.F.A. in Photography and Media from the California Institute of the Arts in 2024.