Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her powerful paintings. She was born in Coyoacan, Mexico, in 1907. She painted many self-portraits that showed her pain and strength. She is one of the most famous artists in Latin American history.

Early Life

Kahlo had polio as a child, which hurt her right leg. At age 18, she was in a terrible bus accident. She was badly injured and spent months in bed. She began painting during her recovery using a special easel.

A black and white photograph of the painter Frida Kahlo.
A black and white photograph of the painter Frida Kahlo. (Guillermo Kahlo / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Kahlo painted 143 paintings, and 55 of them were self-portraits. Her art showed her emotions, Mexican traditions, and nature. She was married to famous muralist Diego Rivera. Her house in Mexico City, called the Blue House, is now a museum.

Fun Facts

  • Kahlo had a pet monkey, a parrot, and hairless Mexican dogs.
  • She wore traditional Mexican clothing and flowers in her hair as a symbol of pride.
  • Her first solo art show in Mexico was held the year before she died.

Did You Know?

Kahlo's face appears on Mexican money. In 2018, one of her paintings sold for $8 million. She has become a symbol of strength and creativity around the world.