January 18 - May 17, 2026
Frida: The Making of an Icon
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, United States
1 / 7
Frida Kahlo
20Basic Art Series
Feminist icon, symbol of Mexican culture, political activist, groundbreaking artist: discover the many facets of Frida Kahlo, who transformed the afflictions of her life into unremittingly powerful paintings. In this introduction, Kahlo's body of bold, arresting works are presented alongside her turbulent life to shed light on the audacious face glaring defiantly from her self-portraits.
Hardcover, 8.3 x 10.2 in., 1.40 lb, 96 pages
Frida Kahlo
20Pain and Passion
The original and intimate art of Mexico’s most famous female painter
The arresting pictures of Frida Kahlo (1907–54) were in many ways expressions of trauma. Through a near-fatal road accident at the age of 18, failing health, a turbulent marriage, miscarriage and childlessness, she transformed the afflictions into revolutionary art.
In literal or metaphorical self-portraiture, Kahlo looks out at the viewer with an audacious glare, rejecting her destiny as a passive victim and rather intertwining expressions of her experience into a hybrid real-surreal language of living: hair, roots, veins, vines, tendrils and fallopian tubes. Many of her works also explore the Communist political ideals which Kahlo shared with her husband Diego Rivera. The artist described her paintings as “the most sincere and real thing that I could do in order to express what I felt inside and outside of myself.”
This book introduces the rich body of Kahlo’s work to explore her unremitting determination as an artist, and her significance as a painter, feminist icon, and a pioneer of Latin American culture.
In literal or metaphorical self-portraiture, Kahlo looks out at the viewer with an audacious glare, rejecting her destiny as a passive victim and rather intertwining expressions of her experience into a hybrid real-surreal language of living: hair, roots, veins, vines, tendrils and fallopian tubes. Many of her works also explore the Communist political ideals which Kahlo shared with her husband Diego Rivera. The artist described her paintings as “the most sincere and real thing that I could do in order to express what I felt inside and outside of myself.”
This book introduces the rich body of Kahlo’s work to explore her unremitting determination as an artist, and her significance as a painter, feminist icon, and a pioneer of Latin American culture.
The author
Andrea Kettenmann studied art history in Göttingen and Hamburg before joining the art history department of the University of Hamburg. She has published widely on Frida Kahlo and has contributed to numerous exhibitions and catalogues. She works as a freelance art historian in Mexico City, where she has lived for many years.
Frida Kahlo
Hardcover, 21 x 26 cm, 0.63 kg, 96 pagesISBN 978-3-8365-0085-2
Edition: EnglishDownload product images here
June 25, 2026 - January 04, 2027
Frida: The Making of an Icon
Tate Modern, London, United Kingdom
Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the best-selling art book collection ever published. Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Art series features:
• a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance
• a concise biography
• approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions
4.9
Frida!
November 4, 2021
Another great book from Taschen! Takes you through essential Frida Kahlo.Always excellent...
November 4, 2021
I have been a customer of Taschen for some years now and have purchased publications ranging from Hockney and Bailey Art Editions to general interest art books. I have always received a professional and courteous service, provided by knowledgeable staff. Shipping has never disappointed and to date, I have made no returns. An excellent company producing quality publications.Special lady
October 29, 2021
Great summary of the life and works of a special Lady. Her life and works are difficult to summarize in one book but this book did it. For art and Kahlo-lovers: a must read.Frida
October 29, 2021
Love everything about Frida Kahlo. A must have book.Colourful Journey
October 27, 2021
This books takes you onto a colourful ride through Frida's art and life ! A beautiful journey with a beautiful edition !