The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait

An intimate self-portrait of one of the most renowned Mexican artists of the twentieth century, this beautiful book is “a visual document, engaging the eye with a volcanic profusion of penned-and-painted imagery” (New York Times).

Published in its entirety, Frida Kahlo’s amazing illustrated journal documents the last 10 years of her turbulent life. These passionate, often surprising, intimate records, kept under lock and key for some 40 years in Mexico, reveal many new dimensions in the complex personal life of this remarkable artist.

The 170-page journal contains the artist’s thoughts, poems, and dreams — many reflecting her stormy relationship with her husband, artist Diego Rivera — along with 70 mesmerizing watercolor illustrations. Her views of love, politics, and more come into sharp focus in a kaleidoscope of creativity and thought.

In his introduction, award-winner Carlos Fuentes, one of Mexico’s most important writers and critics, ties Kahlo’s images of pain, loss, mutilation, and transcendence to Mexico’s historic cycles of revolution and reaction. Sprinkled with irony, black humor, even gaiety, and augmented with translations of the diary entries plus commentaries and photographs, her diary stands as a reminder of not only Kahlo’s formidable talent, but also her resilience and courage.

About the Authors:

The Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) is now regarded as one of the most significant artists of the twentieth century.

Carlos Fuentes is celebrated internationally as one of the world’s foremost literary figures. He has written numerous essays, articles, and novels. He has also served as Mexico’s ambassador to France and has held other diplomatic and academic posts.

Sarah M. Lowe is the author of Frida Kahlo, an analytical study of her paintings, and coauthor of Consuelo Kanaga: An American Photographer. Her monograph on the photographs of Tina Modotti is also published by Abrams.