Founding Artist of the Neomexicanismo movement. Born in Coyoacán, Mexico. A polio survivor, Kahlo entered the premedical program at National Prepatory School, Mexico City, at the age of 15, however, her medical training was halted by a critical bus accident when she was 18. Her convalescence would last a year, and she would face more than 30 surgeries throughout her life, as well as a lifetime of unrelenting pain. However, her convalescence also presented her with the opportunity to begin painting with oils. Kahlo’s naive paintings, largely self portraits and still-lifes, were filled with the flattened forms and bright colors that reflected the Mexican folk art that inspired her. In 1929, Kahlo met and married the Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera, 20 years her senior. The couple would divorce once and remarry, and both their unions were tumultous, yet passionate, weathering infidelity, Kahlo’s declining health, and the demands of Rivera’s career. Traveling from Mexico to the United States and France, Kahlo had her first solo exhibition at the Julian Levy Gallery in New York City in 1938. Her career saw significant success and growth during the 1940-50’s. Kahlo died in 1954, from complications related to the injuries she suffered in the accident of her teen years. Her final journal entry read: “I hope the exit is joyful – and I hope never to return – Frida.”Her ashes are on display in La Casa Azul (“The Blue House”), her former home in Coyoacán, which is now a museum in her honor. After her death, her reputation as an artist saw unprecedented growth, and “Fridamania” was born. She has been the title subject of several biographies and plays, as well as an acclaimed American motion picture in 2002. Kahlo inspired and influenced many modern artists, some of whom have incorporated her imaginings into their own work, and helping to make Kahlo a cult figure into the new century. On the 100th anniversary of Kahlo’s birth, the largest ever exhibit of her paintings was held at the Museum of the Fine Arts Palace in Mexico City, the first comprehensive display in Mexico, and it included works on loan from across the globe, as well as manuscripts and letters that had not been previously displayed. The show broke attendance records at the museum, and moved on to the United States in a traveling exhibition in late 2007. (bio by: Rae)  Family links:  Spouse:  Diego Rivera (1886 – 1957)* *Calculated relationship