Birthdate: July 6, 1907
Birthplace: Coyoacan, Mexico
Frida Kahlo's life wasn't an easy one but she made the most of it at went on to become one of the most recognized artists of her time. Her art, like her life, is complex, fascinating and inspiring. This is her story.
The Early Years
Frida Kahlo was born July 6, 1907 near Mexico City. When she was six, Kahlo contracted polio and had to spend nine months confined to her bed. During that time, she created an imaginary friend who she would later paint in "The Two Fridas." Once she got better, Frida Kahlo was more determined than ever to live life to the fullest. She became a tomboy at school and the leader of a group of rebellious youngsters (mostly boys) who pulled tons of pranks.
Frida Kahlo
Tragedy Strikes Again
In 1925, when Frida Kahlo was 18, the school bus she was riding in collided with a streetcar. She was impaled with a metal pole, which broke her spinal column. It was during her a long recovery from this accident that Kahlo discovered her love of painting.
Finding Recognition
After her recovery, Frida Kahlo started hanging out with a group of Mexican artists who introduced her to well-known Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera. Rivera immediately recognized her talent and encouraged her to continue painting. In August of 1929, Rivera and Frida Kahlo got married, but their relationship, was a little messed up - they both had a lot of affairs. Frida was romantically linked with tons of movie stars, artists, and politicians from all over the world.
The Artist
Peeps from all over the world loved Kahlo and her art. During her life she had three exhibitions - one in New York in 1938, one in Paris in 1939, and finally one in Mexico City in 1953. But by that time, Frida Kahlo's old injuries were catching up to her. She was so unwell she had to attend her Mexican exhibition on a stretcher. Frida Kahlo and her husband divorced in 1939 but they reunited in less than a year.
The Legacy
Frida Kahlo soon suffered another blow; Her right leg had to be amputated below the knee due to a gangrene infection. On July 13, 1954, at the age of 47, Frida Kahlo died. At the time, no one ever officially declared the cause of death but officials suspected it was suicide. The last entry in Kahlo's diary read, "I hope the leaving is joyful and I hope never to return."
Related Stories:
