Frida Kahlo is a Mexican painter who is considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century. Kahlo’s work is often characterized by its intense and vivid colors, as well as its surrealist style. Her paintings often deal with themes of death, pain, suffering and sexism. Frida Kahlo’s paintings have been described as “primitive” or even “naive,” but they are also known for their deep symbolism and emotional impact on viewers.
Frida was born on July 6, 1907 in Coyoacán, Mexico City to a German father and a Mexican mother. Kahlo’s father was an immigrant from Pilsen, Germany who became very successful as an architect in Mexico City.
Kahlo began painting at the age of 14 after spending time in bed with polio that left her right foot paralyzed for life. She had numerous other health problems throughout her life including spinal tuberculosis, polio, near-fatal traffic accidents, and several surgeries which resulted in lifelong disability from her injuries.
Frida Kahlo married Diego Rivera after meeting him at an exhibition where he had painted her portrait as one of his models (she was only 17 years old). Rivera was already famous for his murals depicting Mexican history and politics as well as his leftist political activism. The couple lived together until 1939 when they divorced due to Rivera’s infidelity with Frida’s sister Cristina K.
Kahlo’s paintings often reflect her own personal struggles with pain and illness. Frida Kahlo’s art has been influential to many subsequent artists. Her paintings often reflect her own personal struggles with pain and illness. Kahlo’s work has been influential to many subsequent artists including Margo Sanchez (b.1976), who uses images of Frida Kahlo in her work as well as other female images taken from popular culture such as film stars and models; Frida Kahlo is one of the most recognizable and iconic Mexican artists.
