Frida Kahlo: A Female Icon in the Artistic World

May 12, 2025 by Sarah Pipino (‘26)

Frida Kahlo is a household name today, and possibly the most famous Mexican artist of all time. Her works are appreciated everywhere, and everyone knows her iconic style of art. What most people don’t know, however, is that long before she became a painter, she dreamed of being a doctor. As a child she struggled with polio and became very weak due to the disease. This is likely why she wanted to become a doctor- to help people who were hurting like she was. Then, as a young woman, after she had recovered, she was involved in a massive auto crash that left her almost completely bedridden and forced her to give up that dream. Some might call the tragedy fate; if the crash hadn’t happened, she never would have discovered her talent and passion for art. Whether it was cruel fate or just a horrible accident, Kahlo had to find other ways to keep herself occupied while in bed. And so, she tried out painting. Her husband, Diego Rivera, was a famous muralist and likely inspired her to try out art to pass the time. Quickly, she became Frida Kahlo: the legend who changed the art world into what it is today. Her works were usually self-portraits that depicted her own life, whether it was shining a more positive lens on her situation by painting herself with animals and greenery, or expressing her despair during certain events-like when her husband cheated on her with her sister. No matter what she painted, though, Frida Kahlo was an artistic force to be reckoned with. Even from her bed, she was able to create masterpieces that are still adored today. Her name and her artwork will continue to be known for many years to come.