At the age of 18, Frida suffered a serious accident on a bus that left her with multiple injuries. Among them, a fractured spine, pelvis and several bones in her legs.

She started painting after the accident. Due to health complications Frida had to undergo an amputation of her right leg below the knee. Despite this, she continued to paint and express her art.

In 1953, Frida had her first solo exhibition in Mexico, but due to ill health, she was unable to attend the opening. However, she sent a message through her dress. The garment she wore for the occasion was a hand-painted steel corset, adorned with mirrors and symbolic objects. This dress has become an iconic symbol of Frida and her unique style.

Frida was an important figure in the struggle for women’s rights in Mexico. She was an active member of the feminist movement and advocated for gender equality in her paintings and in her personal life. Her art often explored themes that challenged the social norms of the time.

Frida worked a lot with the self-portrait, for example when she painted “The Two Fridas” This iconic painting shows two representations of Frida sitting side by side. One Frida wears a traditional white Mexican dress and has her heart exposed, while the other Frida wears a European dress and has her veins slashed. This work reflects the emotional pain and duality that Frida experienced in her life.