Women's History Month: Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) was a Mexican painter. She began painting after she was severely injured in a bus accident while on her way home from college. Her art and her life story are equally beautiful and fascinating. At the time of her death, she was known primarily as the wife of Diego Rivera, the famous muralist. She has since become a feminist icon and Diego Rivera is known as the husband of Frida Kahlo. Their relationship was tumultuous, involving affairs on both sides. Despite the scandals (or maybe in part because of them), their house was a gathering place for international intelligentsia. Both she and Diego were very involved in politics. Kahlo painted self-portraits that explored her identity and evoking episodes from her life. She lived with constant pain and emotional distress caused by her relationship with Diego Rivera. Teresa Neva Tate says, "Kahlo is remembered as an artist who spoke her heart through her paintings, profound symbols of strength and perseverance."

Resources

Tate, Teresa Neva. “Frida Kahlo.” Salem Press Biographical Encyclopedia, 2021. EBSCOhost, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=ers&AN=88801612&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=ath2