Profile of the Day: Frida Kahlo

Today we remember artist Frida Kahlo, who was born on this day 115 years ago.

Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón was born on July 6, 1907 in Coyoacán, a village outside of Mexico City, Mexico. Her father, Guillermo Kahlo, was a photographer born in Germany and immigrated to Mexico in 1891. At the age of 6, Kahlo contracted polio, which left her right leg shorter than her left.

Kahlo first began painting after she was injured in a bus crash. Since she was confined to bed during her recovery, she had an easel specially-made to allow her to paint in bed. Known for her use of vibrant colors, Kahlo combined elements of religion and Mexican traditions in her surrealist paintings. She created at least 140 paintings, many of which were self portraits.

She died on July 13, 1954, one week after her 47th birthday. Since her death, recognition of her work has only grown and today, she is remembered as one of Mexico’s greatest artists.

View Frida Kahlo’s Geni Profile