Frida Kahlo's Milestones

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter renowned for vivid self-portraits that explored identity, pain, and culture, becoming an enduring icon of feminism and LGBTQ+ empowerment.
1907

Birth

Frida Kahlo was born in Coyoacán, Mexico City, to Guillermo and Matilde Kahlo.

Family July 6, 1907
1913

Polio diagnosis

Contracted polio at age six, resulting in a lifelong limp.

Other January 1, 1913
1922

Attended National Preparatory School

Admitted to the National Preparatory School in Mexico City, one of few female students.

Education January 1, 1922 - September 17, 1925
1925

Bus accident

Suffered a severe bus accident, leading to lifelong health issues and multiple surgeries.

Other September 17, 1925

Began painting

Began painting self-portraits while recovering from injuries.

Achievement October 1, 1925
1927

Joined Mexican Communist Party

Joined the Mexican Communist Party, becoming active in political and artistic circles.

Achievement January 1, 1927
1929

Marriage to Diego Rivera

Married artist Diego Rivera, beginning a complex lifelong relationship.

Relationship August 21, 1929
1930

Traveled to the United States

Lived in San Francisco, Detroit, and New York while Rivera worked on commissions.

Location November 21, 1930 - December 31, 1933
1938

First solo exhibition

Held her first solo exhibition at the Julien Levy Gallery in New York.

Achievement October 1, 1938
1939

Exhibited in Paris

Exhibited at the Louvre, becoming the first 20th-century Mexican artist in its collection.

Achievement March 1, 1939

Divorce and remarriage to Rivera

Divorced Diego Rivera in 1939 and remarried him in 1940.

Relationship November 6, 1939 - December 8, 1940
1953

Amputation and declining health

Underwent leg amputation due to gangrene; health deteriorated in her final year.

Other August 3, 1953 - July 13, 1954
1954

Death

Frida Kahlo died in Coyoacán, Mexico City, leaving a legacy as an icon of art and feminism.

Other July 13, 1954