Happy Birthday Frida Kahlo; A tragic life reflected through her art

Frida Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, in the house that is now the Casa Azul museum in Mexico City, which became a landmark in the area that saw the emergence of one of the most representative artists in Mexico.

A life full of tragedies yet very talented is what you think about when talking about Kahlo, who became an icon and reference of feminism in Mexico, disability, art, and even sexual liberation.

At the age of six, Frida suffered the first blow of her life. She contracted polio and was bedridden for nine months. The disease caused her right leg to be shorter and thinner than the left, a consequence for which she became a source of bullying at school.

Her father then encouraged her to exercise and to practice swimming and cycling. During those years, Frida showed no interest in painting or the arts, focusing rather on strengthening the muscles and joints in her leg.

On September 17, 1925, her life changed forever. Shortly after turning 18, the bus she was traveling in was run over by a tram, destroying it completely. Frida survived but had to undergo 32 surgeries.

“The metal handrail went through the young woman at the hip, fracturing her pelvic bone and exiting through the vagina. The collision also caused three fractures in the spine, one in the clavicle, two ribs, and a dislocation of her right shoulder. The right leg, the one impacted by polio, suffered eleven fractures, plus dislocation of the foot. It was the beginning of a torturous existence from the physical, psychological and emotional point of view ”, writes Ochoa Sandy.

(Photo: Frida Kahlo Museum)

After recovering from serious injuries, the artist began to frequent the circles of high society in Mexico City. Thanks to the Cuban communist Juan Antonio Mella and his partner, the photographer Tina Modotti, she met Diego Rivera, who by then was already a consecrated painter.

Excited, Kahlo went to Rivera’s studio one day to show him her paintings. He was impressed with the work of that 22-year-old girl, the friendship and mutual admiration soon became a greater feeling. In 1929 they were married, and a year later, she suffered the first of three miscarriages. The accident also prevented her from becoming a mother.

The pain left by the loss of her first baby is evident in Frida and the Caesarean section, a painting that she began in 1931 and never finished.

Frida Kahlo, the painter, the woman, the feminist, the oppressed, the myth, the Saint. One of the most dual artists, who is admired and talked about, but is never indifferent. The Mexican woman has one of the best-known faces in the world and countless books have been made and written about her life and work.

She emerged from the ashes of oblivion and was able to escape the shadow of her partner, Diego Rivera, a kind of engulfing Mexican art, a mythological Saturn who overshadowed other great contemporary muralists such as David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, and Juan O’Gorman, to name a few.

During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Frida’s health declined.

Faced with the possibility of gangrene, Frida Kahlo lost her leg, which at age 6 was affected by polio. This last blow of her life led her to attempt suicide twice in 1954, with an opioid overdose.

On July 2 of that year, she went in a wheelchair with Diego Rivera and Juan O’gorman, to protest against the US intervention in Guatemala. And a few days later, on July 13, she passed away at the age of 47.

Related News



Trending News on PVDN

  • Puerto Vallarta News Brief with Felipe Alvarez for May 26, 2023Puerto Vallarta News Brief with Felipe Alvarez for May 26, 2023 Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The Puerto Vallarta News Brief covers the top trending stories of the week on Vallarta Daily News and is hosted by Felipe Alvarez.
  • Recent Protests Disrupt 40% of Puerto Vallarta’s EconomyRecent Protests Disrupt 40% of Puerto Vallarta’s Economy Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - Tourism, a critical sector of Puerto Vallarta's economy, has been severely affected by protests, suffering both reputational damage and direct harm to visitors. Alejandro Torres Magaña, General Manager of the Puerto Vallarta Hotel and Motel Association, cited missed flights and hotel delays as significant issues.
  • Two More Puerto Vallarta Beaches Are Awarded Blue FlagsTwo More Puerto Vallarta Beaches Are Awarded Blue Flags Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - In the upcoming 2023-2024 season, Puerto Vallarta is set to host six beaches awarded with the Blue Flag accreditation, an esteemed international recognition for high environmental and quality standards. The Blue Flag committee has reconfirmed the status for four previously certified beaches while conferring this prestigious title to two new beaches…
  • American Tourist In Critical Condition in Puerto Vallarta After Wave Breaks His NeckAmerican Tourist In Critical Condition in Puerto Vallarta After Wave Breaks His Neck Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - "Experiencing your sibling in critical care, confessing your love to him, anticipating the worst... it's a nightmare no one should have to endure," shared Adam Griffis. Adam's younger brother, Evan, is struggling for survival in a medical facility located in Puerto Vallarta. The 30-year-old experienced a freak accident while swimming last…
  • Where are the Risk Areas in the Event of an Eruption from the Popocatépetl VolcanoWhere are the Risk Areas in the Event of an Eruption from the Popocatépetl Volcano Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - In recent days, an eruption from the Popocatépetl volcano spewed incandescent materials, resulting in ashfall across various regions of Mexico City, the State of Mexico, and Puebla. In light of these events, the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) has proactively implemented an operational plan, aimed at mitigating potential consequences of…
  • Mexico's Vacation Rental Boom is in Full Swing and Puerto Vallarta Isn't Left OutMexico’s Vacation Rental Boom is in Full Swing and Puerto Vallarta Isn’t Left Out Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The vacation rental industry in Mexico is currently thriving, marking an unparalleled period of success. From January to March 2023, INEGI recorded an impressive influx of nearly 18.8 million international visitors. This figure represents an increase of 3.87 million visitors or 25.9% when compared to the corresponding period in 2022. During…
  • Tactical Groups Are Added to the Streets and Beaches of Puerto VallartaTactical Groups Are Added to the Streets and Beaches of Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - As a component of the safety strategies initiated at the Citizen Security Police Station, members from the Tactical Operations Group (GOT) have been bolstering street patrols all over Puerto Vallarta. Following directives from Commissioner Rigoberto Flores Parra and Mayor Luis Alberto Michel Rodríguez, these officers ensure a visible and protective presence…
  • Volcanic Activity in Popocatépetl Disrupts Air Travel to Puerto VallartaVolcanic Activity in Popocatépetl Disrupts Air Travel to Puerto Vallarta The volcanic activity of Popocatépetl has disrupted a minimum of 12 flights from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to Puerto Vallarta, as revealed by the Pacific Airport Group (GAP). The airport in the capital experienced closures that affected flight schedules, beginning Sunday, May 21st, until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22nd. GAP detailed that…
  • Inhabitants of Santiago Xalitzintla Believe Popocatépetl Volcano is Erupting Because They Didn't Celebrate His Birthday This YearInhabitants of Santiago Xalitzintla Believe Popocatépetl Volcano is Erupting Because They Didn’t Celebrate His Birthday This Year Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The volatile temperament of Popocatépetl volcano, characterized by explosive outbursts, fumaroles, ash falls, and powerful seismic activity, is attributed to a straightforward cause by the inhabitants of Santiago Xalitzintla, the community nearest to the massive crater of Puebla's giant. To these residents, the volcano isn't just a natural feature, it's a…
  • More Flights to Puerto Vallarta With High Demand, Plus New Route from LAMore Flights to Puerto Vallarta With High Demand, Plus New Route from LA Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The Director of the Public Trust for Tourism Promotion and Advertising, Luis Villaseñor Nolasco, has announced that Puerto Vallarta will expand its air travel links to both domestic and international locations. Additional flights to this popular beach destination are planned for the coming days. According to Villaseñor Nolasco, there has already…

Compare Listings

Title Price Status Type Area Purpose Bedrooms Bathrooms