Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is one of the most influential and recognized figures in art history. She became known for her distinct style and paintings inspired by Mexico’s nature and artifacts, and she also had an interesting life story that made her an important part of modern pop culture. Continue reading to find out more.
Frida Kahlo’s Art Career Started After a Bus Accident
Kahlo grew up wanting to become a doctor. However, after a bus accident confined 18-year-old Kahlo to bed for three months, she decided to start painting to pass the time. Her father lent her his art supplies while her mother brought a custom-made easel so she could paint more easily. This marked the beginning of her art career.
Frida Kahlo Lied About Her Age
Frida Kahlo’s birth certificate shows that she was born on 6 July 1907. However, she always claimed that her birth date was actually 7 July 1910. This wasn’t because she wanted to hide her age but because her patriotism prompted her to align the year of her birth with the start of the Mexican Revolution.
Frida Kahlo Had a Keen Interest in Politics
Art wasn’t Frida Kahlo’s only passion. She also had a keen interest in politics and was a member of the Mexican Communist Party. She later befriended Cuban political activist Julio Antonio Mella and played a major part in Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to former Soviet leader Leon Trotsky.
Frida Kahlo’s Popularity Skyrocketed Decades After Her Death
During her lifetime, Frida Kahlo was famous in her native Mexico but relatively unknown to the rest of the world. It was only in the 1970s, two decades after her death, that art historians and collectors began discovering her works and appreciating her art.