Frida Kahlo

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and historical Hispanic American, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contribution to society.

October 3, 2023

Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón, or Frida Kahlo, was a Mexican painter who was well known for her contributions to both art and society. She painted several portraits, including self-portraits, and was influenced by Mexican surroundings and ancient artifacts

Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico. Her early experiences, including her health issues and early exposure to art and culture, shaped Kahlo’s distinct point of view, which would eventually be reflected in her paintings, making her one of the twentieth century’s most recognized and important painters. At the age of six Khalo contracted polio, which left her right leg thinner than the left. Kahlo began drawing as a child, regularly sketching pictures of herself and family members. Her father was a photographer, and supported her interests in art.

Kahlo’s art was important in bringing awareness to not just her personal problems, but also to bigger social problems. Her openly portraits of her personal experiences as a disabled woman, as well as her investigation of gender roles, was known to challenge normal expectations. Kahlo also used her platform to advocate for social change alongside her painting. She was a member of the Mexican Communist Party and was passionate about topics such as workers rights, indigenous rights, and women’s equality. She met artist Diego Rivera and married him in 1929.

Kahlo had been an amazing student on her way to medical school until she was eighteen and was involved in a bus accident (1925), which caused her permanent pain and medical issues. Her long recovery period led her to explore painting as a means of self-expression and therapy.

Kahlo spent the majority of the last year of her life in a hospital in Mexico City when she underwent a new bone graft surgery on her spine. It resulted in a difficult infection and multiple follow up procedures. Because of her health, she then dedicated herself to politics. In 1948 she rejoined the Mexican Communist Party. She made her first public appearance on July 2, 1954, when she joined Rivera in a protest against the CIA invasion of Guatemala. On the night of July 12, 1954 she developed a high fever and was in terrible pain. Her nurse discovered Kahlo dead in bed on July 13, 1954.

About the Contributor

Emanuel Cruz, Staff Writer

Emanuel Cruz is a junior at Hoover High School. He was born on April 13, raised in San Diego, California, by his parents who immigrated to live the American Dream. He has two older siblings but he will be the first one in his family to graduate from Hoover, as the class of 2025. He also has two cats that he treasures and loves. He doesn’t really have a plan after high school but does want to attend SDSU. He wishes to have a career and is inspired by both his sister and brother.

Outside of school he enjoys watching movies and of course playing video games. His current favorite movies are Everything Everywhere All At Once, Interstellar, and La La Land. As for his video games, they are Roblox, Good Pizza Great Pizza, and Mario Kart 8. But something else that he absolutely loves is FOOD! His favorite dish is chilaquiles with a cold glass of Iced Tea.

He hopes to work in the medical field, but can’t decide on which career. What he does know is that he wants to help people whether that be helping them physically or mentally. He is currently in FACES and in Cardinals Interact which are programs that will expose him to decide which career is the best option for him.