Frida Kahlo

by Hettie Judah

Step into the world of Frida behind the portraits and the surrealist art discover the fascinating woman who has transfixed the world.

Fridamania has made Frida Kahlo's image she has been reborn as a Halloween costume, Barbie doll, children's book character, textile print, phone cover and the inspiration for everything from cocktails to fashion shoots. But it is more difficult to get a clear vision of this bold and brilliant, foul-mouthed, heavy-drinking, hard-smoking, husband-stealing, occasionally bisexual, often bed-bound, wheelchair-using, needy, forthright and passionate woman. Hettie Judah sets out to correct that with this superb biography of one of the most charismatic artists of the last hundred years.

Follow Frida's life through tumultuous love and life-altering accidents, towards recognition in the art world from the likes of André Breton and Marcel Duchamp, to becoming the first Mexican artist held at the Louvre. Judah delves into Kahlo's experiences and how these came together to inspire the art that has been described as an uncompromising depiction of the female experience and form. From an early battle with Polio, to a debilitating bus accident at 18, through love and heart ache, the life of Frida Kahlo was one of pain but a pain that bore great beauty.

Hettie Judah is a contributing writer for publications including the Guardian , Vogue , The New York Times , Frieze and Art Quarterly .

Lives of the Artists is a new series by Laurence King. Concise, highly readable biographies of some of the world's greatest artists written by authoritative and respected names from the world of art. Learn about the artist behind the masterpieces.

Currently Andy Warhol and Artemisia Gentileschi

Genres: Art, History

128 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Sophie]

This book is full of information and the author is clearly well read.

However, it felt as though most of the book was about Diego's life story (and her other male lovers lives) and not Frida's, which was very disappointing. After reading this I don't feel as though I've learnt anything new about Frida, and a lot more could have been said about her.

[Stephen Hunsaker]

A well done concise biography of a true artist, it’s amazing learning so much beyond the iconography she is simply known as today.

[Guadalupe Espitia]

"Perhaps it is expected that I should lament about how I have suffered living with a man like Diego. But I do not think that the banks of a river suffer because they let the river flow, nor does the earth suffer because of the rains, nor does the atom suffer for letting its energy escape. To my way of thinking, everything has its natural compensation."

Reading this glimpse into Frida's life made me admire Frida much more profoundly. 😚🤌🏽*

[Julia Culbreth]

I truly enjoyed this explanation of Frida and the story of her life. She was so vibrant, irreverent and brave. I am traveling to see some of her work next month and I am so excited to see in person some of the works described in this book. And I feel well prepared to appreciate them not only for what they are, but why they are. Great read!

[Pedro V Hernández Serrano]

A concise exploration of Frida Kahlo's life and art, Hettie Judah's view expertly unveils the intricate layers of this iconic artist. Boldly delving into Frida's passions, struggles, and political beliefs, Judah crafts a fair piece for readers seeking a profound understanding the legacy of one of our favorite mexicans

[Ficus Monstera]

A concise and accessible look at Frida Kahlo’s life and art. I enjoyed learning more about the experiences that shaped her as an artist, particularly how her personal struggles, relationships, and physical pain influenced her work. It’s not the most in-depth biography, but it gives a solid introduction to Kahlo and leaves you with a greater appreciation for the person behind the paintings. An interesting and worthwhile read for anyone curious about her life and legacy.