Amazing Facts About Frida Kahlo That Will Surprise You

Frida Kahlo Facts You Might Not Know

In this post, we will cover some exciting information about Frida Kahlo. So, let us get the ball rolling.

Her Works Reflect Social Issues

Kahlo, who is a Mexican artist, painted a wide array of portraits and self-portraits. Her inspiration for her creative work comes from artifacts and the country’s nature. Moreover, the usual themes of her works include postcolonialism, class and race, gender, and sexual identity.

She Had Polio

When she was six years old, she had polio — a virus that could cause paralysis. This caused her to be bedridden for around nine months. That didn’t stop her, however, from going on with her life. In fact, she was known in her school as a spoken and brave child.

She Was Involved In A Road Accident

Back in 1922, the bus the artist was riding in collided with a car. And, yes, she was injured because of the road accident. Seriously injured, in fact. Her spine plus her hip were impaled, and her pelvis was fractured. While she was in bed for three months, she kept herself busy. Her parents bought her an easel and paint that she could use while recovering.

She Married An Artist

Diego Rivera, also an artist, discovered Kahlo’s paintings in 1928.

Diego María de la Concepción Juan Nepomuceno Estanislao de la Rivera y Barrientos Acosta y Rodríguez, known as Diego Rivera, was a prominent Mexican painter. His large frescoes helped establish the Mexican mural movement in Mexican art.

Between 1922 and 1953, Rivera painted murals in, among other places, Mexico City, Chapingo, Cuernavaca, San Francisco, Detroit, and New York City. In 1931, a retrospective exhibition of his works was held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Rivera had a volatile marriage with fellow Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

For Rivera, her paintings were impressive. After a year, they got married. And oh, by the way, the two have already met in earlier years of their life.

They, however, had many affairs. For example, Rivera had an affair with Kahlo’s sister, making their marriage complicated.

She Was Always Wearing Bright, Gold, Stunning Clothing

This was, in fact, her signature clothing. She was always wearing such clothing whenever she and Rivera traveled to the US for commissioned murals.

Pablo Picasso Loved Her Works

Hot on the heels of her stint in the US, she headed to Paris way back in 1939. Here, she got to meet different artists, including Pablo Picasso. And, yes, the latter was very impressed by her work.

Her Right Leg Was Amputated

Because she contracted gangrene years later, her right leg was amputated. As such, she wore a prosthetic leg. But, of course, she continued to create remarkable works despite the situation.

She Had Her Bed Delivered to the Gallery In Her Solo Exhibit

She had the chance to have a solo exhibit back in 1953. During the opening day of her exhibit, she had her bed delivered to the gallery. And she was delivered by an ambulance. Now, that is called determination.

She Passed Away in 1954

On July 13, 1954, just a year after her solo exhibit, the renowned artist died. She was 46 at the time.

There you have it: Some interesting facts about Frida Kahlo. No one can deny that she is a great person and a remarkable artist. That is why, even after she passed away, her works and contributions remained popular with many people around the world.

Also read: LOOK: 19th Century Spain’s Master Painter tomb found in Manila’s Oldest Cemetery

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