Frida Kahlo in the artist portrait: Art as a mirror of life

Frida Kahlo , born on July 6, 1907 in Coyoacán, Mexico and died on July 13, 1954 in Coyoacán, is undoubtedly considered the best -known artist of Latin America and is closely linked to Mexican culture.

Her works of art are characterized by uncompromising honesty and lively colors, especially their self -portraits they have made them famous worldwide. In these portraits, Frida Kahlo dealt intensively with topics such as identity, the human body and death.

Why is Frida Kahlo special? What makes your fascination?

Although Frida Kahlo herself contested the connection of her works of art with surrealism , she is often identified as a surrealistic painter. Her works are characterized by a unique mix of realism and symbolism , which developed her very own style.

In addition to her artistic work, Frida Kahlo was also known for her turbulent relationship with the well -known wall painter Diego Rivera . The two married for the first time in 1929, but were divorced ten years later. But their love could not be finally separated and so they found each other again in 1940 and said yes again.

With her outstanding personality and her artistic talent, Frida Kahlo left a lasting impression. Your work is still admired and studied today - as an important contribution to the art history of Latin America as well as a symbol of individual strength and assertiveness.

Frida Kahlo processed the constant pain and physical restrictions in her art. Her self -portraits are particularly famous. The painter is considered an icon of emancipation . Frida Kahlo was interested in the indigenous peoples, pre -Colombic culture, nature and folk art in Mexico.

One of the most remarkable contributions by Frida Kahlo on contemporary art lies in her remarkable ability to blur the boundaries between art and life in a unique way . She passionately integrated personal experiences, dreams and emotions into her works of art and thus established a deeply intimate and authentic narrative style .

This revolutionary approach has inspired numerous contemporary artists to explore their own narrative dimensions and penetrate their works with raw, unadulterated emotions. This gives you the opportunity to redefine the boundaries between reality and imagination.

Kahllos Knappetism urgently reminds the artists that their art can be a powerful reflection of their experiences - a bridge that appeals and touches the viewer on a deeply personal level. It is a call to all creative people to bring the authentic power of their own life stories to life in their work and thus step into an intimate and enriching dialogue with the audience.

Frida Kahlos unshakable appreciation of her femininity and the deep examination of female experience have given numerous artists strength and inspiration. She questioned the common ideas about the representation of women in art by not only accepting her physical imperfections, but also expressing her pain, her longings and dreams powerfully in her works.

Kahlos Fearless in dealing with topics such as motherhood, sexuality and reproductive rights to this day acts as a beacon for modern artists who undeterred their place in the art scene. Your inheritance is an urgent indication that the voices and perspectives of women are indispensable for the cultural narrative and deserve unrestricted appreciation.

Frida Kahlos Works were closely related to her political and social beliefs . She used her art as a means of activism and campaigned for the rights of the indigenous peoples, the gender equality and social justice. Kehllos aim art as an engine for change has inspired modern artists who use their platforms to pick up urgent topics and stimulate significant discussions.

Whether it is about environmental issues or human rights, artists can now be stimulated by Kahlin's fearless effort to put the pressing challenges of our time in the light.

For a lifetime in the "blue house"

She spent almost her whole life in the "Blue House" in Mexico City. The "Casa Azul" in important place in Frida Kahlo. This was done on her and at the request of her husband Diego Rivera to bequeath her artistic heritage to the Mexican state.

The building with number 247 in Calle Londres, located in the south of Mexico City, is rich in exhibits from the artist's work. The Frida Kahlo Museum shows a variety of works by the artist, including life (1954), Frida and the Caesarean section (1931) and portrait of my father (1952).

Profile - important key data

The most important key data on the artist celebrated worldwide today:

Biography and important stations in Frida Kahlo's life

Born in Mexico City in 1907

Frida Kahlo, one of the best -known artists of the 20th century, was born in 1907 in Coyoacán, a district of Mexico City. She was the daughter of the Mexican painter Mathilde Calderón de Kahlo and the German-Mexican photographer Carl Wilhelm Kahlo.

Her full name was Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo Calderón . The choice of her first name “Frida” was not accidental - he came from her grandfather's paternal side and should emphasize her German descent.

The family lived in a turbulent period: in the year of its birth, the Mexican revolution a political upheaval with far -reaching consequences for the country. This historical context also shaped Frida's life and works of art sustainably.

The artist later decided to state the year 1910 (beginning of the Mexican Revolution) as her year of birth.

Intimate relationship with her father

Frida Kahlo grew up with three sisters, Matilde, Adriana and Cristina, as well as two half -sisters from a previous marriage of her father, Maria Luisa and Margarita. Her brother Guillermo died a few days after her birth. Frida Kahlo had a particularly close relationship with Cristina, her younger sister.

Frida Kahlo was largely shaped by her father, who was a talented photographer and artist himself. Through him she achieved the ability to observe its surroundings and nature. Her father, originally with the name Wilhelm Kahlo, was in Mexico after four years and changed his name to Guillermo Kahlo.

Frida showed an extraordinary talent for art early on. However, fate met hard at the age of six: she suffered paralysis of children . This disease significantly impaired her physical health and often captivated her to bed or wheelchair.

Despite these severe restrictions, Frida developed an unshakable will to overcome her disabilities.

Medical studies and artistic engagement

From 1922 Frida Kahlo visited the famous Escuela Nacional Preparatoria in Mexico City to prepare for a medical studies. At that time, emancipated women sought professions that were previously male domains.

Frida Kahlo was one of the first young women admitted to this studies. During this first wave of emancipation, strong women became role models for the younger generation. Frida Kahlo met Diego Rivera (1886-1957) at the university in 1922, who designed the murals "Creation" for the auditorium.

“Los Cachuchas” group and began a relationship with Alejandro Gómez Arias, the leader of this group. In 1923 Frida Kahlo met the photographer and actress Tina Modotti (1896-1942) and made friends with her. Two years later, she started training with the graphic artist Fernando Fernándesz, who works with her father. Alejandro Gómez immortalized in a portrait.

Tragic bus accident

In September 1925, Frida Kahlo was the victim of a tragic accident. Together with her boyfriend, she was sitting on a bus that was seriously an accident. From then on, her life was characterized by regular hospital stays, operations and considerable pain.

But she managed to learn to walk again. Nevertheless, she could no longer continue her medical studies. She therefore gave up the desire to become a doctor and turned to with full power of art. In her “Casa Azul” in Mexico City, she recovered from the consequences of the accident.

Self -portraits were their medium

In September 1926, Frida Kahlo drew her first self -portrait. It is the "self -portrait with velvet dress" . Until 1954 she designed a total of 54 self -portraits. In doing so, she dealt with her emotional state.

Self -portrait discovered them as a suitable medium to find their own identity and describe social conditions. From then on, she expressed her personality in her clothing. She wore the Tehuana costume, which can be seen in numerous of her works.

"I paint myself because I spend a lot of time alone and because I am the motive that I know best," the artist described her motivation.

Wedding with Diego Rivera

In 1929 Frida Kahlo married Diego Rivera, whom she had known for seven years at the time. But the marriage was not free of crises. Her husband cheated on her sister. In 1939 the artist was divorced by Diego Rivera.

Like other famous painters, Frida Kahlo found that it is not easy to live from art. Her former lover, the photographer Nickolas Muray, bought one of her self -portraits to support her financially.

The University of Texas in Austin acquired the painting in 1966. Since then, the portrait around the globe has been traveling. It was already seen in more than 30 exhibitions on all continents. Then the artist confidently looks into the viewer. Her hair is bound to braids, decorated with two silver butterflies as a symbol for resurrection and regeneration. The painter had suffered several miscarriages and often used symbols for rebirth in her works.

Artistic network extended to Europe

Frida Kahlo formed an artistic network that ranged from Mexico to the United States to Spain, France, Germany, and England. When André Bretons and Jacqueline Lambas traveled to Mexico in 1938, a close friendship developed between the artists Kahlo and Lamba.

A year later, the Mexican painter was able to present her paintings in Paris for the first time. In doing so, she talked Alice Rahon and the Spanish painter Remedios Varo Both artists moved to Mexico after the beginning of World War II.

Another wedding and death of her father

In 1940 Frida Kahlo Diego Rivera married again in San Francisco. When her father died in 1941, her physical and psychological constitution deteriorated. During the 1940s, the artist's work grew up with awareness and fame among international collectors.

Their exhibitions were shown in the United States. The painter received a teaching position at an art school in Mexico City. A national prize was awarded "Moses" painting In 1947 the Museo de Arte Moderno acquired its painting "The Two Fridas" .

Worsening of the state of health

Frida's state of health deteriorated in 1950. This year, a gangrene in her right foot was diagnosed, a kind of tissue necrosis due to a lack of blood circulation. She was then bedridden for nine months and had to endure several operations.

Nevertheless, Frida Kahlo de Rivera continued her work with great persistence and continued to paint. In 1953 she even had a solo exhibition in Mexico .

Although her mobility was restricted at that time, she appeared at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. She was brought with the ambulance, greeted those present and celebrated the ceremony in a bed specially made for her in the gallery.

A few months later, she had to undergo another operation in which part of her right leg was amputated to stop necrosis. Due to her poor physical condition, Frida also suffered from deep depression and even had thoughts of suicide .

Nevertheless, despite her health problems, she was still politically active . On July 2, she took part in a demonstration against the fall of the Guatemaltec President Jacobo Arbenz supported by the USA. This was her last public appearance.

Her last self -portrait and death of the artist

In 1951, Frida Kahlo de Rivera described the episodes of seven operations on her spine diary At that time she had been very bad for a year. But she kept her courage to live. Her next self -portrait devoted to Dr. Farill, which she sees as her rescuer.

This painting turned out to be the last self -portrait of the Mexican painter. Kahlo died in 1954, probably from pulmonary embolism, in Coyoacán a week after her 47th birthday. After her death, she moved into the spotlight worldwide. The painter's house now acts as a museum in which the artist's life's work stays alive.

Icon of emancipation

Many famous painters dealt intensively with their era and reflected on them. Frida Kahlo is no exception here. She was an artist who was particularly concerned with the role of women and was determined emancipation .

In doing so, she was inspired by strong women and became a model for numerous famous painters and talented young artists.

Frida Kahlo encouraged women to reveal their pain outwards and thus contribute to a better understanding of the female sex. Her works of art were characterized by personal experience, passion and a profound examination of the issues of identity , physicality and social norms .

Her works are known for their powerful symbolism as well as their honest representation of pain, grief, but also strength and overcoming. Frida Kahlos Work convey a feeling of empathy and openness to human suffering - especially the suffering of women in an often patriarchal -shaped world.

The importance of this message was not only perceived in the art scene: prominent personalities such as Madonna publicly showed her admiration for the Mexican artist. As an emancipated woman herself, Madonna could certainly see many parallels between her own commitment to equality and Frida Kahlos Mission.

Surrealism and realism

Frida Kahlo is usually assigned to surrealism . However, she did not feel that she belongs to this current. She interpreted her works as the results of her life and not as an expression of her dreams. The artist shaped her own style by connecting elements of nature with her own life experiences and the Mexican mentality . In this respect, she mixed realism with surrealism.

Her paintings became a living diary. With her works of art, she told stories about her relationships, her family, her characteristics, her illnesses and society. With her art she shaped the way the world looked at Mexico.

The famous painter was also open to pop culture But she was not ready to accept all the conventions of her time.

Oeuvre and posthumous recognition

The artist has received an immense response , especially in writing. Her works were dealt with extensively in biographies, introductions and comments on numerous illustrated books and exhibition catalogs. This extensive reception testifies to the importance of its art for literature and art criticism.

In most cases, the life of the artist is closely linked to her artistic work. The connection between your personal background, your experiences and emotions and your art is analyzed and interpreted in detail.

This enables readers to gain a deeper insight into their motivation, inspiration and creative processes.

The fact that her life filmed . This not only illustrates the extraordinary fascination of your life but also her strong presence in public awareness. This cinematic implementation gives your work a further dimension of accessibility - both for a wide audience and for art lovers around the world.

However, Frida Kahlo had to fight for recognition for a long time. Although she had some successes, her work only received a true appreciation long after her death:

During his lifetime, Frida Kahlo was the exotic flower on the buttonhole of the great master Diego Rivera. After her death in 1954 it was quiet for a long time, and it was only at the beginning of the 1970s that it was rediscovered in the course of the women's movement. Since then there have been numerous exhibitions of her works and diverse homes to the woman and artist Frida Kahlo, and her popularity has increased steadily. In her effect, she has long since exceeded Diego Rivera. "

- Karen Genschow: Frida Kahlo. 2007, p. 120.

In 2001-2002 her works were presented in a large hiking exhibition next to those by Georgia O'keeffe and the Canadian artist Emily Carr .

At the beginning of this year, several of her paintings were seen in a pioneering surrealism exhibition in London and New York. Seattle Art Museum by January 5, 2003 .

Janet Landay, exhibition curator at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and one of the organizers of an exhibition of Kahlos works in 1993, emphasized according to Smithsonian Magazine :

Kahlo seriously transforms personal experiences of women in a serious way for art, but their pictures exceed gender boundaries due to their intensive emotional content. Your works are intimate and powerful at the same time and ask both men and women to be touched by it. ”

Kahlo only created about 200 paintings , which mainly comprised still lifes and portraits of themselves, their family and their friends. In addition, she led an illustrated diary and made numerous drawings.

With the help of the techniques she had learned from both her husband and her father -her father was a professional architectural photographer -Kahlo created an urgent, sensual and absolutely original painting.

This merged elements of surrealism, imagination and folklore to impressive stories. In contrast to the prevailing trend of abstract art in the 20th century, her work remained uncompromising.

Although Kahlo occasionally accepted orders for portraits, she sold comparatively few paintings in the course of her life.

Today your works achieve astronomical prices auctions For example, a self-portrait from 1929 was sold in 2000 for more than $ 5 million.

In 2021 the recent record in art auction followed: The self -portrait "Diego Y YO" by Frida Kahlo de Rivera was sold in the auction house Sotheby’s for $ 34.9 million ( SPIEGEL reported online ) .

The painting was created five years before Kahlos Death and shows her on her forehead with a portrait of her partner Diego Rivera.

It was previously auctioned in 1990 for $ 1.4 million. The buyer of the picture comes from the Eduardo-F. Costantini collection, which is named after the Argentine entrepreneur and founded the Museum of Latin American Arts in Buenos Aires (Malba).

With this sales price, "Diego Y Yo" (work on Fridakahlo.org ) is now the most expensive auctioned Latin American work of art . Previous record holder was the painting "Los Rivales" by Diego Rivera itself, which was auctioned in 2018 for $ 9.76 million. So far, the maximum price for a Frida Kahlo painting was eight million dollars in 2016.

Frida Kahlo Museum - The Blue House in Coyoacán

Frida Kahlo's blue house La Casa Azul , was opened as a museum in 1958. This historic building in Mexico City was the family home of the famous artist and later served as her residence together with her husband Diego Rivera.

In the 1970s, Frida Kahlos Werk experienced a renaissance because the feminist movement gained importance worldwide. As a symbol of female creativity and strength, it became an icon of that time. Women around the world identified with their art.

A turning point in the public perception of Frida Kahlo came in 1983 with the publication of the book “A biography of Frida Kahlo” (a biography of Frida Kahlo) from Hayden Herrera . Through this work, the artist received even more attention and recognition for her unique personality and her extraordinary artistic contribution to the Mexican art history.

In 2002 an impressive film entitled "Frida" , which focused on the life and work of the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The main roles were embodied by Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina .

The film tells the moving story of Frida's life, from her childhood to her success as a painter. Her turbulent relationship with Diego Rivera is also discussed. Through the outstanding acting performances by Hayek and Molina, the audience succeeds in an impressive way to immerse yourself in this emotional roller coaster ride.

“Frida” was not only remarkable because of his captivating action, but was also recognized for his technical brilliance. The film received a total of six Oscar nominations and was able to win two of these coveted awards: one for the best make-up and another for the best film music.

The make-up team did a great job to transform Salma Hayek as authentically as possible into Frida Kahlo. With great attention to detail, they managed to feel their face with the characteristic eyebrows and lips of the iconic artist. This not only creates an astonishing similarity on the outside, but also captured the nature of Frida Kahlo.

The film music of “Frida” is also remarkable. The composers Elliot Goldenthal and Linda Ronstadt have perfectly accompanied the atmosphere of the film with their music. From melancholic sounds to passionate melodies, film music creates an emotional connection to the audience and strengthens the intensity of the scenes.

Significant works of art by Frida Kahlo

Frida and Diego Rivera, 1931

This double portrait painted Frida Kahlo on the occasion of her marriage with Diego Rivera. With this painting, the Mexican artist described the role of women in society and put them up for discussion. While her husband keeps a palette and a brush in the portrait, Kahlo is satisfied with her role in the classic wife.

It presents itself without artistic media. It is also traditionally dressed. She wears a robe with a red scarf. In doing so, she holds her husband's hand and thus goes into a passive role.

In fact, she was largely only perceived in relation to Diego Rivera at the time. It was only at a late time in her life and especially after her death she acquired global fame.

The two Fridas, 1939

A particularly well -known work among Frida Kahlo's self -portraits is undoubtedly "the two Fridas" . This painting impressively illustrates the emotional injury that the artist experienced during her divorce from Diego Rivera.

The viewer can literally feel how deep the pain and sadness are in it. In the picture, Frida wears the costume from her earlier marriage to Diego Rivera. It is a symbol of her connection to him, although this love ultimately failed. But even if she separated from her husband, he still remains a significant part of her life and presents himself in the form of a medallion around her neck.

The medallion shows a picture of Diego Rivera - a memory of past times and a constant presence in her life. It almost seems as if she can't let go of him and always wears his image with him.

However, the central focus of the painting is on the bleeding heart of the artist. It symbolizes the deep emotional pain that she experienced through her separation. The heart seems broken and wounded as if it were just freshly broken.

This representation clearly illustrates the great pressure of suffering and the mental agony that Frida Kahlo was exposed at the time. In the background of the picture we see a cloudy sky - dark gray covered with impending clouds. This gloomy scenario strengthens the sad atmosphere of the painting and reflects the artist's inner suffering.

Self -portrait with thorn collar and Kolibri, 1940

Frida Kahlo loved animals very much. She kept a small zoo in her "Casa Azul". She immortalized some of her animals in her works of art, for example the cling monkeys that her husband Diego Rivera gave her. The game monkey can be seen as a symbol of the devil via Frida's right shoulder.

The thorns that drill in their throat in this self -portrait stand for the pain they feel because of the divorce of Diego. A lifeless colibri hangs on the necklace. Its wings take up Fridas together. Dead colibris are considered lucky charms in Mexican culture.

A black cat can be seen above the left shoulder of the artist, which apparently threatens the Kolibri. The cat symbolizes misfortune and death. The butterflies on the painter's hair stand for the resurrection.

the most frequently photographed work in the exhibition "Fantastic Women"

The broken pillar, 1944

An outstanding work by Frida Kahlo is undoubtedly "the broken pillar" . This painting impressively embodies the deep pain, which resulted from her devastating accident at the age of 18 and accompanied her whole life. After painful spine surgery, which captivated them on a corset, the picture reflects the image of Kahlos inner and external suffering.

In the middle of a barren desert landscape, the composition presents the artist, supported by an urgent metal construction; A broken column runs vertically through your body instead of your spine. Excessed with nails, these elements symbolize the unbearable pain that Kahlo had to endure.

This work belongs to the important collection of the Museo Dolores Olmedo and invites the viewer to explore the complex relationship between art, identity and pain in Kahlos life.

My birth, 1934

In her tireless striving to record the most concise moments of her life artistically, Frida Kahlo created the haunting work "My birth" . This remarkable painting shows her mother with a covered face, which alludes to the upcoming death and at the same time illustrates the grief for loss. The artist's face is positioned between her mother's legs and surrounded by a laugh, which alludes to her personal history and her own miscarriage.

A portrait of the Virgen de las Angustias adorns the lower part of the painting, accompanied by a parchment that was never described and thus symbolizes a mysterious emptiness. Today this important work of art is part of the private collection of the singer Madonna and remains a fascinating testimony of Kahlos intensive examination of life and death as well as its ability to express deep emotions in an impressive visual language.

A few small dagger stitches, 1935

Frida's impressive work "A few small dagger stitches" from 1935 urgently reveals her deep pain over the unfaithful Diego Riveras with her sister Cristina. This emotional expression is also reinforced by the tragic fate of another woman who was murdered by her husband.

The title of the work of art refers to a statement by a murderer that Frida read in a newspaper: During his police survey, he explained that he had only added to her "Unos Cuantos Pique" (in German: a few small dagger stitches), which emphasizes the brutality of his act.

This important work of art is part of the collection of the Dolores Olmedo Museum and offers viewers the opportunity to deal more intensively with the emotional and historical contexts of Frida's life and work.

Diego in my thoughts, 1943

Self -portrait as a Tehuana or Diego in my thoughts is a fascinating work that refers to Frida Kahlos deep admiration for her husband Diego Rivera. In a magnificent Tehuano costume that reflects the rich culture of the Zapotecs -a tradition that Rivera always appreciated-Frida is depicted on her forehead with the image of her lover.

This urgent detail suggests your inner tornness and obsession. The work belongs to the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection and not only represents a personal expression Kahlos, but is also an important example of the fusion of identity and culture in their art.

Long live life, 1954

The work of art that may have been signed by Frida Kahlo, live life , is considered a fascinating testimony to her artistic examination of the challenges of life. The interpretations of this impressive work range from a deep homage to the will to live to a powerful reaction to fascism under Franco. One thing is undeniable: Viva La Vida embodies an impressive visual transformation of pain into art.

It is believed that this masterpiece actually comes from an earlier creative phase Kahlos; Nevertheless, she only wrote the sentence "Viva La Vida" on the watermelons in this painting in her last months of life. The connection between your personal experiences and the universal message of the work makes it a significant reflection on life and suffering.

This extraordinary work of art is currently exhibited in the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City. A visit to this institution not only offers the opportunity to appreciate Kahlo's extraordinary talent, but also the opportunity to deal more intensively with the motif and the style of this unique artist.

Like a photo montage from Frida with guns around the world in 2012

The picture of Frida Kahlo with a pistol is a collage from Robert Tores . Gates added Kahlos head (from the photo of the US photographer IMogenic Cunningham) to a 1983 photo that made goals from rock musician Donnette Thayer from Sacramento.

The resulting assembly went viral in July 2012. Later this year, the Russian artist Alexander Djikia Torens Frida combined with pistol with a photo of Russian futurism poet Vladimir Mayakovsky .

This second assembly also spread viral in Europe and other regions in which Mayakovsky was known.

Frida's legacy

Frida Kahlos influence on modern art is undeniable. Her heir can be found in the work of countless artists who continue to embody their spirit of authenticity, resilience and radical self -expression. Kahlos influence manifests itself in the dissolution of artistic limits, the strengthening of marginalized voices and the use of symbolism and surrealism to deal with complex topics.

She remains a formative personality who has a significant influence on the development of contemporary art and reminds us of the transformative power of art by questioning existing norms, making various voices audible and drives social changes forward.

Buy works of art in the style of Frida Kahlo: Visit our "Inspirational Frida Kahlo Art Collection" on Pinterest

The famous artist Frida Kahlo from Mexico is known for her self -portraits, in which she expresses pain and passion. In addition, their works are characterized by intensive and lively colors. In Mexico, she is rightly appreciated for her interest in Mexican and indigenous culture. Feminists particularly celebrate their representation of female experience and form.

In our article inspired by Frida Kahlo-handpicked works of art as a homage to the Mexican art legend you will find great works of art that were strongly inspired by Frida Kahlo or/and created in the style of the iconic Mexican artist. Many of these works are unique and in most cases still available for sale.

You will also find what you are looking for in our Pinterest collection "The Inspirational Frida Kahlo Collection"

Browse, enjoy and acquire unique art!

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Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

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