Artist Interviews 2022

Frida Immersive / March 31, 2022 ‎‎- July 4th, 2022  
By Johnny Otto

Founded in 2019 by Toronto-based producers, Corey Ross and Svetlana Dvoretsky and Toronto-based developer – Slava Zheleznyakov, Lighthouse Immersive is the first experiential entertainment multi-plex, aiming to cultivate community and creativity through large-scale events and exhibitions of all art forms. With locations in Toronto, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Lighthouse Immersive offers versatile spaces for creators to present their work, while engaging audiences around the globe in unique art experiences that encourage dialogue and inspire new artistic creations.





After months of trying to get tickets for the Frida Immersive Exhibit in Hollywood at The Lighthouse Space,
I finally got a Press Pass for Mother's Day, May 8th. I had heard of the Van Gogh Immersive,
but missed that and I really didn't want to miss this one. And I am so glad I didn't miss it.
When I first entered the space, which use to be Amoeba Records on Sunset Blvd., I was overwhelmed
by the sounds that were echoing throughout the room. I was expecting visual overload,
but I hadn't even taken into account that there would be music playing along to the show.





At first I found it a bit jarring, all of it, the visuals and the music, but once I claimed
a spot on the floor to watch, and really let it all sink it, I was really blown away
by the great lengths that were taken to bring Frida Kahlo's art to life.
Not only was it like being immersed in her art, it was like being drowned in her dreams.
Sometimes it flet as though the entire building was moving like an elevator, and
I found myself clinging to the floor as massive buildings and skylines rose
from the floors and soared to the ceilings.





The whole experience was magical, surreal, and whimsical. Some of it was manic and
loud and some loft and delicate, like when Frida's dresses appeared and danced by themselves.
Then there was a moment or two when Diego Rivera appeared rather ominously, as he did
in her life as her on-again, off-again husband.





There was a really great part where a horse-drawn carriage made its way across the wall.
I found the whole experience to be very joyful and something I would definitely recommend,
whether or ot you are familiar with Frida's art or not. Most of the crowd on the day that
I went were families with their young daughters, who spent most of the time dancing around.

The whole time I sat and watched I couldn't help but wonder what Frida would think about
the way her art was being presented. Would she like the large format, the music, the animation?
Obviously there is no way to know what Frida would have thought, but as an Artist with so much
vision and passion, I don't see how she could not love the tribute to her work and her world.