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Frida KaloMexican artist
Date of Birth: 05.07.1907
Country:  Mexico |
Biography of Frida Kahlo
Mexican ArtistIntroduction
Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist, faced numerous trials throughout her life. Despite her petite and fragile appearance, she possessed an incredible inner strength that allowed her to overcome all adversities. Her life story is one of constant struggle, love and hatred, friendship and betrayal, creative highs and lows. Her paintings reflect the tragic aspects of life, as she desperately attempted to understand her own existence.
Early Life
Frida Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907, in the suburb of Coyoacan, Mexico City. Her father, a German Jew, worked as a photographer, while her mother had Mexican and indigenous roots. Frida was the third child in the family. At the age of six, she contracted polio, which left her with a lifelong limp. Her right leg was several centimeters shorter than her left, earning her the nickname "wooden leg" from her peers. These early difficulties only strengthened Frida's character. Despite the pain, she played football with boys, went swimming, and even took up boxing.
Artistic Journey
At the age of 15, Kahlo enrolled in one of the best preparatory schools with the intention of studying medicine. She quickly gained popularity, forming a group called "Las Cachucas" with several classmates. During this time, she already began painting, although she did not take her art seriously. Everything changed in 1923 when she met the artist Diego Rivera. Frida, like a little girl, constantly sought Diego's attention. She told everyone that she would marry him, and eventually, it became a reality. However, before that, Kahlo had to endure a true ordeal.
Life Challenges
In 1925, Frida was involved in a horrific bus accident. The bus she was traveling in collided with a tram. An iron handrail pierced her body, damaging her uterus and fracturing her pelvic bone. Her spine was broken in three places, her right leg was shattered, and her ribs were fractured. Doctors were appalled but, after enduring over thirty surgeries, she managed to survive. Frida spent a whole year bedridden. Gradually, she regained her ability to walk, but she could no longer bear children. During this difficult time, Diego Rivera stood by her side, providing support in every way he could. It was through his encouragement that Frida regained her belief in her own abilities and managed to overcome the challenges. Rivera also played a significant role in nurturing her talent for painting.
Married Life
The whirlwind romance between Kahlo and Rivera culminated in marriage. In 1929, they tied the knot, with Frida being 22 years old and Diego 43. They were brought together not only by their love for art but also by their communist ideals. The passionate and unconventional life of these two extraordinary individuals became legendary. However, Diego's affairs with other women were no secret to Frida. She once said that she had experienced two accidents in her life: one was the car accident, and the other was Diego. Despite the infidelity, Frida could not bring herself to leave him.
Artistic Recognition
In the late 1920s, Diego Rivera was invited to work in the United States. The couple spent several years there, leading to Rivera's expulsion from the Communist Party. Frida followed him, but in 1933, she rejoined the party. Living abroad made her acutely aware of social injustice and the significance of national culture. Kahlo began collecting antique artwork and developed a greater appreciation for Mexican culture, donning traditional costumes. This influence also affected her artistic style.
Relationship with Trotsky
In 1937, Frida's life took a new turn when she met Soviet revolutionary Leon Trotsky. Seeking refuge in Mexico to escape persecution in his homeland, Trotsky found shelter in Diego and Frida's home. There are many legends surrounding the relationship between Trotsky and Kahlo, but the truth remains uncertain. According to the most popular version, the Soviet revolutionary fell deeply in love with the passionate Mexican artist. Kahlo, fueled by her communist ideals, couldn't resist such a prominent figure. They embarked on a romantic affair, but Trotsky's jealous wife put an end to it. Soon after, the couple left the "blue house" where they lived.
Artistic Impact and Health Issues
In 1939, Kahlo's works were exhibited in Europe for the first time. Several of her paintings were shown in Paris as part of a Mexican art exhibition. They left an incredible impression on viewers, and one of her works was even acquired by the Louvre. However, around the same time, Frida's health problems escalated. The strong narcotics she used to alleviate her pain began to affect her mental state. After a while, even they were no longer effective in managing her suffering. In 1950, she underwent multiple spinal surgeries, spending a year in the hospital. She could no longer walk independently and had to rely on a wheelchair. Shortly after, Frida lost her right leg.
Legacy and Death
In 1953, a large solo exhibition of Kahlo's works was organized in Mexico. She was brought to the gallery directly from the hospital, despite her serious condition. Although her health was deteriorating, she found the strength to sing and celebrate at the event. However, none of her self-portraits during this period depicted a smile. Her face was serious, with a stern gaze and tightly pressed lips. On July 13, 1954, Frida Kahlo died from pneumonia. Some friends speculated that her death was caused by a drug overdose, but there is no evidence to support this theory. Her funeral was attended by prominent figures in the art world and the President of Mexico, Lazaro Cardenas.
Personal Life and Artistic Reception
Despite a life filled with suffering and pain, Frida Kahlo was a free-spirited and extroverted individual. She smoked heavily, consumed alcohol in excess, sang risqué songs, and openly identified as bisexual. People have varied opinions about her artwork, ranging from admiration to disgust. However, one thing is clear: she was a remarkable woman.
