Frida Kahlo

Happy Birthday Frida Kahlo!

The most prestigious woman artist in Mexican history was born today in 1907, in Coyoacan. Left weakened by childhood polio and seriously injured in a bus accident at age 18, Frida abandoned dreams of medical school and pursued her art hobby as a chosen career. Frida became a painter, sometimes, by necessity, working from her bed, focusing primarily on self portraits. Deeply involved in politics, she and her famed husband Diego Rivera often expressed their political views in their art.  

Frida's work as well as her dress became increasingly rooted in Mexican folk art and Mestiza tradition.  (Her mother was of Mestiza descent.) she became known for her flowing skirts, peasant shawls and blouses as well as flamboyant jewelry. 

Kahlo taught at various schools over the years including La Esmeralda. Her style is considered Surrealist with Magic Realism. Sadly, Frida died at age 47, after many, many health complications endured over her lifetime. I was fortunate to visit an exhibit of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera work, photographs and clothing (Frida's) with a good friend, Debbie O'Brien last month at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. The moving image of her ties to Diego Rivera...below...was one on display...

 

Diego on My Mind