Frida Kahlo
Painter
Mexican painter associated with Surrealism and Magic Realism and best known for her 55 self-portraits. She was inspired by the indigenous Mexican culture and Mexican mythology.
She suffered from polio as a child and developed a slight physical deformity. In her teens, her health was further compromised by severe injuries sustained during a bus accident. She had one gallery showing in the United States: the Julien Levy Gallery in 1938.
Her childhood home, Casa Azul, was transformed into a Mexico City museum and tourist attraction after her death.
She and fellow painter Diego Rivera had a turbulent marriage that involved a divorce and remarriage. Both artists also had numerous extramarital affairs.
She was played by actress Salma Hayek in the award-winning 2002 film Frida.