Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo

I first learned about the artist Frida Kahlo in 2002 when Salma Hayek portrayed her in the movie “Frida”. Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon was born on July 6, 1907 in Coyoacan, Mexico. Her life began and ended in Mexico City. Her life was tragic and full of suffering and pain due to an accident when she was 18 years old. Frida was riding a bus that collided with a trolley and was severely injured and spent many months in a body cast. She had a broken spinal column, pelvis and many other fractures. Eventually after 35 operations she recovered but had relapses of pain for the rest of her life.

Frida started painting in her bed, painting herself, because she was the subject she knew best. She was best known for her self portraits in which she painted her own reality.

Her pain and suffering is shown through her paintings which have bold and rich colors and outstanding symbols and animals.

Many have described her as being a surrealist because she had dramatic imagery and painted from her dreams and visions. Her artistry is both tense and vibrant works of art.

Frida had known Diego Rivera as a young girl and she wanted his opinion if she should continue painting. Diego encouraged her to continue because he saw great promise in her works. As they continued to work together, they fell in love and married. History reveals that they were both each others true loves.

Frida has painted over 100 paintings and they hang in galleries all over the world. The World Market in Las Vegas NV had a showing for several weeks last summer and attracted many locals and tourists to view her beautiful works. The paintings were intense and meant so much more viewing them because I had seen the movies and felt her suffering. Frida died after many years of illness’s and a leg amputation at the age of 47.