Note from Deba
September is the month we recognize the many contributions that people of Hispanic heritage have made to enrich our lives. We continue to benefit from this rich tapestry that contributes to the fabric of our American society.
Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón, aka, Frida Kahlo, was a Mexican painter (artista). She was married to Diego Rivera, also a well-known artista. Frida, born in Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico, had polio that left her disabled when she was six years old.
Frida, age 18, was studying to become a doctor, but after being seriously injured in a bus accident, she abandoned that pursuit and started painting while undergoing multiple surgeries and many months of recovery. Throughout the remaining years of her life, Frida continued to suffer lingering physical pain. She expressed her physical trauma and her exploration of self-identity through her paintings.
Some facts about Friday Kahlo:
- Born 6 July 1907 – Died 13 July 1954
- Her name was originally spelled “Frieda,” which means “peace” in German
- She was bi-racial: Her father was German of Hungarian descent, Mother was Mexican (Tehuana culture) Native American & Spanish descent
- She often depicted her ancestry as binary opposites: Indigenous Mexican vs. colonial European
- She wore bright, elaborately colored clothing, and children frequently asked her, “Where’s the circus?”
An exhibition of some of her work is currently on display in Waltham at the Rose Art Museum of Brandeis University. Admission is free, and timed tickets can be booked in advance through the Rose Art Museum website.
Enjoy another beautiful weekend in New England.
Warmly,
Deba
