Frida Kahlo fans can now get a taste of what it would’ve been like to have their portrait done by the iconic Mexican artist thanks to a new feature in the Google arts app. Google AI developed an algorithmic model used for the “Art Transfer” feature which creates an “algorithmic recreation” from a selection of paintings that can transform the photo uploaded by the user.
“From the bold, swirling movement in Vincent van Gogh’s paintings, to the surreal, confident brushstrokes of Frida Kahlo, many famous artists have instantly recognizable styles,” reads the announcement for the new feature.
You can select to either transform your entire photo into an art piece or alter a specific area of your choosing.
For example, the painting they have of Frida’s is “Untitled (Self-portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird),” so you can use a selfie with your pet and choose to have your dog/cat/other creature transformed into her artwork for a fun art versus reality contrasting image.
Google Arts & Culture received permission from art institutions around the world to use paintings from famed artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat (who was of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent), famed street artist and social activist Keith Haring and Hungarian-Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil.
The Google app’s original claim to fame was the “Art Selfies” feature from 2018 that compared someone’s selfie with famous works. People of color were matched with white portraits leading to warranted criticism. A lack of diversity in the art world is once again apparent in the lack of non-European painters included in their latest feature. On the other hand, Kahlo is the only Latina and one of a select few women artists included. A testament to her influence.