Biography of Frida Kahlo | Vincent Bardou
Biography of Frida Kahlo
Full name: Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón Date of birth: July 6, 1907
Place of birth: Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
Date of death: July 13, 1954
Place of death: Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
Childhood and Education
Frida Kahlo was born in a house called "La Casa Azul" (The Blue House), which would later become the museum dedicated to her work. She is the daughter of a German photographer, Guillermo Kahlo, and a Mexican mother of Spanish origin, Matilde Calderón. Frida grew up in an environment influenced by Mexican and European culture.
At the age of six, Frida suffered from polio, which left scars on her right leg. Later, in 1925, she was involved in a serious bus accident that had a major impact on her physical and psychological life. This accident resulted in multiple fractures and surgical operations, as well as chronic pain, which would strongly influence her art.
Artistic Career
Frida Kahlo began painting while recovering from the accident. She was heavily influenced by her surroundings and personal experiences. Although her style is often associated with surrealism, she considered herself an artist who depicted the reality of her inner experience and personal visions.
Main Works:
"Self-Portrait with Thorn and Hummingbird" (1940) : Depicts Frida with a crown of thorns and a dead hummingbird, symbolizing pain and resilience.
"The Broken Column" (1944) : A self-portrait showing a broken column as a metaphor for his suffering body.
"The Two Fridas" (1939) : A double self-portrait that shows two sides of her personality, reflecting her emotional separation after her divorce from Diego Rivera.
"The Country Doctor" (1943) : A portrait of Diego Rivera, representing the importance of their relationship in his life and art.
"Portrait of the Artist with Short Hair" (1940) : Frida depicts herself with short hair, having cut her hair as a sign of rebellion against her husband and her own suffering.
Personal Life and Political Commitment
Frida Kahlo married Diego Rivera in 1931. Their marriage was notorious for its ups and downs, marked by infidelities and temporary separations. Nevertheless, they remained committed artistic and political partners. Frida and Diego supported communism and left-wing political movements, which is reflected in their works and activities.
The couple is also involved in artistic and political activities, participating in communist projects and supporting various social causes. Frida is active in the women's rights movement and is a key figure in Mexican culture and modern art.
Health and Recent Years
Frida Kahlo's health deteriorated over the years due to her injuries from the accident and various medical complications. Despite her suffering, she continued to paint and exhibit her works. Her health fluctuated, and she spent part of her last years in the hospital.
Frida Kahlo died on July 13, 1954 at the age of 47. Her funeral was marked by a large public ceremony, testifying to her cultural and artistic impact.
Legacy and Impact
Frida Kahlo leaves a lasting legacy as an icon of modern art and Mexican culture. Her home, "La Casa Azul," in Coyoacán, is now a museum that attracts visitors from around the world and celebrates her life and work.
Her art continues to inspire many artists and is studied for her contributions to surrealism, symbolism, and the feminist movement. Frida is often celebrated for her courageous and honest depiction of pain, suffering, and the human condition through her visually striking and emotionally powerful works.