2010

Ruben Dario Villa ’10 is making headlines for his mosaic of Frida Kahlo. Titled Frida4587, the piece is made up of 4,587 pieces of Chiclet gum. Villa writes, “My Frida piece is an expression of my personality. It’s nostalgic. It’s vibrant. It’s catchy and kitschy at the same time.” In addition to his artistic pursuits, Villa works as a visual designer for Google Maps. It was this very experience that inspired the mosaic. He is also founder and CEO of Fúchila Fresheners, a Chicano and Latino pop culture–inspired line of air fresheners. (Fúchila is a phrase used when something is smelly or off-putting.) But Villa isn’t done yet. He’s planning to create another Chiclet mosaic of La Virgen de Guadalupe—and land a Guinness World Record for it. 

29 Oct 2018