
Mexican
Artist
06 Jul 1907
13 Jul 1954
Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón, born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, is celebrated for her powerful self-portraits and depictions of Mexican culture. From a young age, Kahlo faced considerable challenges, including a bout with polio and a bus accident that left her with chronic pain. Yet, it was during her recuperation from this accident that she began to paint, channeling her physical and emotional pain into poignant artworks. Infused with surrealism, symbolism, and vibrant colors, Kahlo's paintings offer a deep exploration of identity, gender, post-colonialism, and the human form.
Throughout her life, Kahlo was also an outspoken advocate for Mexican nationalism and indigenous rights, often incorporating traditional Tehuana clothing and native symbolism into her art and personal style. Her tumultuous marriage to the renowned muralist Diego Rivera and her equally passionate political and personal affiliations made her a prominent figure in the artistic and political spheres of her time. Frida Kahlo passed away on July 13, 1954, but her influence has only grown posthumously, with her life and work continuing to inspire generations on themes of resilience, empowerment, and unabashed self-expression.