Kahlo, Frida
Frida Kahlo (1907 - 1954)
Frida Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907 in Mexico City. Her real name was Magdalena Carmen Frida Calderon; she was the daughter of a German Jewish father and a Mexican mother. She had polio as a child and was seriously injured in an accident in her late teens. Prior to the accident, she planned to go to medical school, but during her months of recovery, she began to pursue art. She was active in the Communist party, where she met Diego Rivera, who was already renowned for his murals. They embarked on a turbulent courtship and marriage (1928). While she lived her adult life in the shadow of her husband, Diego Rivera, she began to be recognized for her own work through exhibits beginning in 1939. Her health continued to decline and she died in 1954, at the age of 47. A revived interest in her work arose in the 1970's and she became an icon for Latinos, women, and indigenous cultures. A brief bio of Frida would be incomplete without mentioning her flamboyant dress and costumes, often celebrating her mestiza heritage.
Frida Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907 in Mexico City. Her real name was Magdalena Carmen Frida Calderon; she was the daughter of a German Jewish father and a Mexican mother. She had polio as a child and was seriously injured in an accident in her late teens. Prior to the accident, she planned to go to medical school, but during her months of recovery, she began to pursue art. She was active in the Communist party, where she met Diego Rivera, who was already renowned for his murals. They embarked on a turbulent courtship and marriage (1928). While she lived her adult life in the shadow of her husband, Diego Rivera, she began to be recognized for her own work through exhibits beginning in 1939. Her health continued to decline and she died in 1954, at the age of 47. A revived interest in her work arose in the 1970's and she became an icon for Latinos, women, and indigenous cultures. A brief bio of Frida would be incomplete without mentioning her flamboyant dress and costumes, often celebrating her mestiza heritage.
