Frida Kahlo, one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, is renowned for her vivid use of colour, which played a pivotal role in her artistic expression and personal identity. Her bold and vibrant palette was not merely a stylistic choice but a reflection of her deep connection to her Mexican heritage and her intense emotional experiences. Kahlo’s use of colour was deeply symbolic; the rich reds, deep blues, and lush greens she favoured often conveyed themes of life, death, pain, and passion. These colours were also tied to Mexican folk art, which deeply influenced her work, allowing her to celebrate her culture while expressing her inner world with unparalleled intensity.

In addition to her paintings, Kahlo’s love of colour was also evident in her personal style. She adorned herself in traditional Tehuana dresses, richly embroidered with bright, contrasting hues, and surrounded herself with colourful objects in her home, the famous Casa Azul. For Kahlo, colour was a language through which she communicated her resilience, her pain, and her joy. It allowed her to transform her suffering into something visually powerful and eternally beautiful, making her not only a master of self-portraiture but also an enduring symbol of vibrant individuality.

Here are five interesting facts about Frida Kahlo:

Self-Portraits:

Frida Kahlo is famous for her self-portraits, which make up about a third of her work. She used these to explore themes like identity, suffering, and the human body. Kahlo once said, “I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.”

Health Struggles:

Kahlo endured lifelong health issues. At six years old, she contracted polio, which left her with a limp. Later, a bus accident at 18 severely injured her spine and pelvis, resulting in numerous surgeries and chronic pain that deeply influenced her artwork.

Surrealist Label:

Although often associated with surrealism, Kahlo rejected the label, insisting that her paintings depicted her reality, not dreams. Her deeply personal art often intertwined pain, love, and the political climate of Mexico.

Political Activism:

Kahlo was politically active and a staunch supporter of communism. She and her husband, artist Diego Rivera, welcomed exiled Soviet leader Leon Trotsky into their home in Mexico, where he stayed for a period in the 1930s.

Iconic Personal Style:

Kahlo’s traditional Tehuana dress, featuring colorful skirts and elaborate hairpieces, became her signature look. It wasn’t just an aesthetic choice but also a statement of her Mexican identity and a way to conceal the physical scars from her injuries.

Her influence extends far beyond art, touching fashion, feminism, and social activism.