Frida Kahlo (de Rivera) is one of the most striking figures in the art of the twentieth century from Mexico, famous, by and large, for her well-known self-portraits and surreal paintings. For the most part, in the works, the master “talks about herself,” her experiences, feelings, and physical and mental pain, and often refers to the themes of illness and death. Kahlo’s works reflect her inner and outer world on canvas, on which she does not smile, always serious or sad, with thick eyebrows and piercing black eyes.
Such phenomena are quite understandable because, for many years, Frida overcame pain since the age of 6, when the girl was diagnosed with polio. All her life, Frida painted, loved, had fun, worried, overcame the sharpest physical ache, and despite everything, she had a strong desire to live. The young girl was limping badly, and her peers often mocked and made fun of her. However, she was not going to put up with this kind of adversity, and along with “healthy” children, she actively engaged in physical activity and sports. Such fortitude, as well as very bold attempts to run a race with death, is later reflected in her works.
September 17, 1925, is considered one of Frida’s most crucial and fateful moments. On that rainy night, the young girl experienced a real shock – she received many fractures, after which she underwent many operations. After lying bedridden for several months, she found joy, pleasure, and inspiration in the drawing. Thus, despite the terrible accident that changed her whole life, Frida managed to find herself, become one of the best artists in the world, and maintain firmness and endurance until the last days. This artist became famous in Europe (mainly due to her husband, Diego Rivera) but always dreamed of recognition in her homeland. Frida’s first solo exhibition in Mexico took place in 1953, shortly before her death.