Artist, icon Frida Kahlo celebrated worldwide for her work, courage

Frida Kahlo is an icon for disabled and underrepresented people all over the world. After having polio at age 8 and a tragic accident at age 18, Kahlo was infertile. While she was injured, her father encouraged her to do activities like soccer and even wrestling which was uncommon for girls at the time. She continued to keep a close bond with her father for the rest of her life. She attended the renowned National Preparatory School in Mexico City along with 35 other females and was known for her outspoken bravery. There she met famous painter Diego Rivera who she married later on.

Rivera was Kahlo’s foot in the door in the art world. Kahlo usually created self portraits because “I am often alone and I am the subject I know best.” While bed-ridden, she continued to paint. Her father set up an easel next to her bed and her mother provided her with paints and brushes. Despite her health, Kahlo was an active member in political movements and showed up to a demonstration to overthrow the President Jacobo Arbenz of Guatemala on July 2, 1954. 

Elly Herrick, Editor-in-Chief