Frida Why (b. 1990)
Frida Why is my chosen artistic alias, inspired by my admiration for Frida Kahlo and a playful misunderstanding with my childhood teacher, who claimed “Frida” was my name in English. My real name is Aphrodite Y. and I was born in Lamia, Greece. I have been residing in Athens for the past nine years. As an emerging artist I have fully embraced my passion for art, working in digital collage, photomanipulation, video art and digital sketching. This creative journey has opened exciting opportunities, including exploring NFTs. My art centers on portraying women, emphasizing their transformation through their untold stories and traumatic experiences.
Inspirational milestones
My approach to art is spontaneous, driven by the moment, capturing emotions as they unfold and push me out of my comfort zones. I aim to visually express my personal mental alterations, hoping to connect with an audience that resonates with it. My work combines surrealism, portraiture and a dark aesthetic, exploring themes of femininity, self-discovery and transformation. Through raw, unrefined emotional expression, I seek to empower and uplift women, giving voice to their inner struggles.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Photography, I distanced myself from art due to mental health difficulties, but reawakened my commitment during the COVID-19 quarantine. Witnessing the escalation of abuses and inequalities affecting women and other marginalized communities reignited my passion, reminding me of the power art holds in challenging societal norms. This newfound purpose became the foundation of my creative expression.
Essentially, my technique exposes how "She" carries the burden of her invisible mind battles and raw reality, confronting conflicting emotions of self-identity and vulnerability. It is through this lens that I explore the complexities of being a woman in today's world, allowing my work to act as both a cathartic release and a powerful call for change.
Looking ahead, I intend to explore new mediums and reconnect with photography, further cultivating my identity as a mixed-media artist.
At this point in my life, my desk on my living room is the heart of my workspace, carefully organized and decorated to inspire motivation. I am eager to establish a formal studio where I can refine my skills and address complex societal issues, creating a space to fully express myself and untangle my feminine identity. At the same time, I will always appreciate the intimacy of smaller spaces, as they encourage me to stay creative.
