Until I rediscovered an old coffee table book tucked away in my bedroom, I didn’t know much about Frida Kahlo besides the notorious self-portraits featuring a bold wardrobe, a floral headpiece and a very discernible unibrow.
I wish I had sooner – the stories behind the paintings I’ve been admiring for years is far more tragic and vulnerable than I ever would have imagined, giving me a whole new perspective and appreciation towards Kahlo and her art. She was unapologetic about being true to herself and constantly turning her weakness to strength against all odds. Her legacy leaves a large footprint for generations of women to come. Here are 3 of the most valuable takeaways from the story of Frida Kahlo and her art.
1. Your uniqueness is your gift
The natural facial hair that some women are ashamed of today, is something that Kahlo embraced and accentuated in her self portraits. She dressed as she pleased, embodying her femininity while being unafraid to challenge gender stereotypes. This unconventional type of beauty gave her power and essentially a personal brand that will be eternally celebrated. She continues to encourage generations of women to shamelessly express themselves, and learn to love what makes them different.
“I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to know better”
Even in the 1940s, Kahlo challenged beauty ideals in a way that still feels progressive today. More and more women are beginning to leave their natural body hair untamed. Her legacy illustrates the power of self-acceptance and rejects stereotypes about what is deemed unattractive by narrow social constructs.
2. You are your #1 cheerleader
Kahlo lived through volumes of pain and suffering that many of us will never endure. Her life seemed to be a series of unfortunate events…
- She contracted polio at the age of 6, leaving her bedridden for several months and causing a limp…
- Was in a terrible accident when the bus she was on collided with a streetcar. While several passengers were killed both instantly and subsequently, Kahlo miraculously lived, displacing three vertebrae and breaking her legs, ribs, collarbone, and pelvic bone. This caused her to undergo over 30 surgeries and left her bedridden once again…
- Underwent 3 abortions and several miscarriages as a result of the trauma from the accident…
- Married a man who made no time for her and cheated on her multiple times – one of which was with her younger sister…
- Suffered the amputation of her right leg from below the knee after developing gangrene.
In spite of all this, she never surrendered to her suffering. Kahlo reminds us that pain is an inevitable part of life, but it does not define you, and it doesn’t have to control you.
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can”
3. Embrace your ‘brokenness’
Before the tram accident in 1925, Kahlo was en route to becoming a doctor. After the traumatic collision, she chose to pursue art. Her father lent his oil paints and brushes while her mother provided a custom easel that would enable her to paint from her bed, transforming her pain into a beautiful passion. She kept a diary to remind herself that she is more than her pain, illustrating powerful words and imagery that would help her fight and remain hopeful.
“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”
Despite the intense mental, physical and emotional pain she endured, she chose to express her truth that led her to realize she was happy to live so long she could paint. Kahlo teaches us that your pain can be your purpose, and with that, you can inspire millions and create a legacy.
