Frida Kahlo, born on July 6, 1907, was a renowned Mexican artist known for her self-portraits. She married Diego Rivera in 1929 and faced health struggles.
Frida Kahlo, born as Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo y Calderon, on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacan, Mexico City. She later claimed July 7, 1910, as her birthday in solidarity with the Mexican Revolution.
At the age of 6, Frida Kahlo was affected by polio which led to the deformation of her right leg. Despite her father's efforts to help her exercise, her leg and foot remained deformed. She was nicknamed 'peg-leg Frida' by her classmates.
In 1914, Frida Kahlo was struck by polio, which left her bedridden for nine months and permanently damaged her right leg and foot.
In August 1922, Frida Kahlo began attending classes at the National Preparatory School in Mexico City with the aspiration of becoming a doctor. At this stage, she had not yet considered a career in art.
In 1924, Frida Kahlo initiates a romantic relationship with her fellow student Alejandro Gomez Arias.
Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's greatest artists, started painting at 18 after a severe bus accident in September 1925. The accident left her with multiple injuries, including a broken spinal column, collarbone, and pelvis, causing her lifelong pain.
In 1926, doctors discover three vertebrae out of place in Frida Kahlo's spine. To immobilize her spine, she is required to wear a corset, marking the beginning of a series of such contraptions she will have to wear throughout her life.
In 1927, Frida Kahlo became a member of the Communist League, showing her political activism and beliefs.
In 1928, Frida Kahlo reconnected with Diego Rivera, asking him to evaluate her work. Rivera encouraged her, and the two soon started a romantic relationship.
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera get married on August 21, 1929. This event marks a significant moment in the relationship between the two prominent Mexican artists.
In 1930, Frida Kahlo had to terminate her pregnancy at three months due to medical complications. It was revealed that she would likely not be able to carry a child to term because of injuries sustained in 1925.
Frida Kahlo painted 'Henry Ford Hospital' in 1932, depicting her experience after a miscarriage.
Upon returning to Mexico, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera supervise the construction of their new home, which features two separate residences connected by a bridge.
In 1934, Frida Kahlo cut off her hair after discovering Diego Rivera's affair with her sister Cristina.
In 1935, Frida Kahlo engages in a romantic relationship with the sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Despite this affair, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera eventually reconcile.
In 1936, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera helped arrange asylum for Russian communist Leon Trotsky and his wife, Natalia. They also raised money to support the Republicans fighting against Franco's forces in the Spanish Civil War. Diego Rivera joined the Trotskyite International Communist League.
In 1937, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera provided assistance to exiled communist Leon Trotsky and his wife Natalia by welcoming them into their Blue House.
In 1938, French poet Andre Breton labeled Frida Kahlo's paintings as surrealist, and actor Edward G. Robinson purchased four of her artworks.
Frida Kahlo's painting 'The Two Fridas' was created during her divorce from Diego Rivera. This double self-portrait reflects her emotional turmoil and features symbolic elements like a small portrait of Rivera.
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera divorced in November 1939. The end of their tumultuous relationship influenced Kahlo's art and personal life significantly.
In 1940, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera remarried at San Francisco City Hall. Her paintings were exhibited at the Palace of Fine Arts.
After a life-altering accident that left her in a full body cast, Frida Kahlo turned to painting as a way to cope with her immobility. 'Me and My Parrots' is one of her self-portraits, reflecting her deep connection to her own image and solitude.
Frida Kahlo painted 'Self Portrait as a Tehuana' in 1943, showcasing her Mexican heritage.
In 1944, Frida Kahlo painted one of her most famous portraits, The Broken Column, where she depicted herself naked and split down the middle, symbolizing her shattered spine and chronic pain.
One of Frida Kahlo's most intriguing paintings, which she held dear to her, is highlighted on January 27, 1946. The painting showcases her unique style and personal connection to her art.
Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement, was assassinated in 1948. Frida Kahlo received the second prize for her painting 'Moses', which featured Gandhi as one of the figures.
In 1950, Frida Kahlo's health deteriorated as she was diagnosed with gangrene in her right foot, leading to her being bedridden for nine months and undergoing multiple surgeries.
The painting depicts two Fridas, one representing day and the other night. One Frida is associated with the sun and sacrifice, while the other is linked to the moon and womanhood. The painting symbolizes hope and liberation from physical constraints.
In 1953, despite limited mobility due to health issues, Frida Kahlo had a solo exhibition in Mexico. She arrived at the opening ceremony by ambulance, showcasing her determination and dedication to her art.
Frida Kahlo passed away on July 13, 1954, at her home in the Blue House in Mexico City, reportedly from a pulmonary embolism.
In 1958, Frida Kahlo's Blue House was opened as a museum, marking a significant moment in the preservation and celebration of her legacy.
In 1983, Hayden Herrera published a biography on Frida Kahlo, which brought more attention to the artist due to the feminist movement.
In 2002, the movie 'Frida' was released, starring Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo and Alfred Molina as Diego Rivera. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards and won for Best Makeup and Original Score.
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