Frida Kahlo
A bus accident at 18 ended her medical plans; she began painting in bed with a mirror overhead.
Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico. Frida Kahlo's background is described as Mexican; German immigrant father, mestiza mother. Growing up, the family was middle class — photographer father who emigrated from Germany; the family home was Casa Azul, later her museum. A bus accident at 18 ended her medical plans; she began painting in bed with a mirror overhead.
- Born
- 1907 · Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
- Roots
- Mexican; German immigrant father, mestiza mother
- Family
- Middle class
- Photographer father who emigrated from Germany; the family home was Casa Azul, later her museum.
- Education
- National Preparatory School (pre-medical track, cut short by the accident)
- Started with
- A body cast
- Began painting while immobilized after the accident, with a mirror mounted over her bed.
- Affiliations & societies
- Mexican Communist PartyDocumented
- Joined in 1927; her politics remained central to her life and work.
- Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.
The pathway
- 1913 · age 6Polio
Leaves her right leg permanently weakened.
- 1925 · age 18The bus accident
A streetcar collision breaks her spine and pelvis; she paints in bed using a mirror mounted above her.
- 1929 · age 22Marries Diego Rivera
The muralist, twenty years her senior; a famously turbulent marriage.
- 1938 · age 31First solo show, New York
About half the paintings sell.
- 1939 · age 32The Louvre buys The Frame
Reported as its first acquisition by a 20th-century Mexican artist.
- 1953 · age 46First solo show in Mexico
Arrives at the opening in her four-poster bed, on doctor's orders.
- 1954 · age 47Dies at Casa Azul
Global recognition comes largely after her death.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Frida Kahlo from?
Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico. Their background is described as Mexican; German immigrant father, mestiza mother.
When was Frida Kahlo born?
Frida Kahlo was born in 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico.
What is Frida Kahlo's background or ethnicity?
Frida Kahlo's roots are described as Mexican; German immigrant father, mestiza mother. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.
Where did Frida Kahlo go to school?
Frida Kahlo's education: National Preparatory School (pre-medical track, cut short by the accident).
What was Frida Kahlo's family background growing up?
At birth the family was middle class. Photographer father who emigrated from Germany; the family home was Casa Azul, later her museum.
How did Frida Kahlo get started?
Frida Kahlo started with a body cast. Began painting while immobilized after the accident, with a mirror mounted over her bed.
Sources
Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.