Frida Kahlo, Painter and Folklorist
Frida Kahlo, Mexico's most famous woman artist, was a free-spirited and naughty child. She often got into trouble with her strict mother but was the favorite of her father, a photographer. When Frida was six, she was stricken with polio, which made her right leg stop growing. To strengthen herself, she played what were then considered boys' sports - soccer, wrestling, and boxing. At age 18, Frida was almost killed in a serious bus accident.
During her recovery from this accident, Frida began to paint. She showed her paintings to Mexico's most famous painter, Diego Rivera. Later they were married. Both Frida's marriage and health had their ups and downs, but through her suffering she painted with humor and imagination. In addition to canvas, she painted on surfaces like copper, tin, and wood. She taught art ot students in Mexico City, encouraging them to draw and paint everyday things such as jars, furniture, and toys.
from Amelia to Zora
Text copyright © 2002 by Cynthia Chin-Lee
Used with permission by Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Image by Andreanna. Licensed through Creative Commons.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/andreanna/2713778749/