Frida Kahlo is one of the most popular and recognisable artists of the 20th century.
She is known for her painting, her politics, her tempestuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, and many others, and her fierce independence.

But behind the vibrancy and energy of her work was a life wracked with pain, both physical and emotional, from a near fatal accident at the age of 18. She had over 30 surgeries over the course of her life to try to relieve her pain but ended up by having her leg amputated.

She taught herself to paint while lying recovering in bed and like no other artist she laid out her pain for all to see, unapologetic, uncompromising, deeply personal, yet tapping into something universal.

This video explores Frida’s colourful, dramatic and painful life story.

Academic References:
Antelo, F. (2013). Pain and the paintbrush: The life and art of Frida Kahlo. AMA Journal of Ethics, 15(5), 460-465.
Baddeley, O. (1991). 'Her dress hangs here': De-frocking the Kahlo cult. Oxford Art Journal, 14(1), 10-7.
Budrys, V. (2006). Neurological deficits in the life and works of Frida Kahlo. European neurology, 55(1), 4-10.
Feldman, G. C. (1999). Dissociation, repetition–compulsion, and the art of Frida Kahlo. Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis, 27(3), 387-396..
Copyright Disclaimer:
The primary purpose of this video is educational. I have tried to use material in the public domain or with Creative Commons Non-attribution licences wherever possible. Where attribution is required, I have listed this below. I believe that any copyright material used falls under the remit of Fair Use, but if any content owners would like to dispute this, I will not hesitate to immediately remove that content. It is not my intention to infringe on content ownership in any way. If you happen to find your art or images in the video, please let me know and I will be glad to credit you.
Images:
Wikimedia Commons
Fridakahlo.org
Wellcome Collection
Frida Kahlo Museum

Music – Via Wikimedia Commons
Laid Back Guitars Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) CC3.0
Mariachi Band on stage in Salsa Toronto, posted on YouTube by Theo T CC Attribution
Cancion Mexicana Traditional Mexican folksong, Arr. M. Ponce/H.Heitmeyer. Jason Wehr, Toltec Strings CC Attribution
Piedritas Al Agua - Violin Music of Tierra Caliente Mexico: Featuring Paul Anastasio and The Onlies. CC Attribution
Gregorio Allegri - Miserere Mei, Deus Vocal Stage Ensemble of the National System of Musical Promotion in the Cathedral of Tlaxcala. CC3.0
Vladan L. Kuzmanović, Prelude For Broken Piano No. 2, Conceptual piece, 2019. CC4.0
Vladan L. Kuzmanović, Bravoure for 12 string guitar in A-flat major
Snowmen by Kai Engel CC4.0
Twelve from the Black Book 6,7 and 11 by Lloyd Rodgers CC1.0
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 (Franz Liszt) by Jaan Patterson CC1.0
Yard Dogs Road Show – Blockhead CC0
Video produced by Graeme Yorston and Tom Yorston.