Throughout her lifetime, Frida Kahlo used her art to reflect her true thoughts and beliefs to the world. The Mexican artist’s life was full of pain and suffering, but it was also filled with courage, passion and determination. Frida Kahlo left behind inspirational and thought-provoking quotes to be remembered by and to help guide those living after her. She often wrote of love, art, nature, feminism and mortality. Here are a few of Frida Kahlo’s quotes to get inspiration in life.
The Wisdom of Frida Kahlo
Among her many brilliant quotes, here are a few of Frida Kahlo’s wittiest and wisest statements about life.
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“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.”
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“I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best.”
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“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves.”
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“I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best.”
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“I give thanks to God for making me so absolutely different from everybody else.”
Quotes About Pain and Suffering
Frida used her artwork to both reflect and cope with her own physical and mental struggles. From 4 medical procedures in a year to depression and chronic pain, no one knows the depths of her suffering better than her. Here are a few of her quotes about pain and suffering.
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“The most important part of my work is its honesty.”
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“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”
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“I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.”
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“I never paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality.”
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“I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.”
Feminist Point of View Quotes
As a life-long feminist, Frida Kahlo’s art, poetry, and opinions were invariably centered around women’s rights, freedom and economic and social equity. Here are a few of her most empowering quotes about equality, autonomy, and the power of being a woman.
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“I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to know better.”
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“I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy as long as I can paint.”
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“I was born a child of two countries, the tree that unites and the wall that separates. And this is how I will live my life between two lungs, breathing at the same time.”
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“I am not sorry for anything and I don’t want sympathy.”
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“I am no longer frightened of the reality.”
Life Quotes
Frida Kahlo was a firm believer in living life to the fullest and cherishing moments, good and bad. Here are some of her best quotes about life, love and making the most of our time here.
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“Take a lover who looks at you like maybe you are magic.”
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“There has been so much suffering, but there is also so much beauty in what remains.”
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“How would life be without music? I cannot answer, I only know that it would be a mistake to find out.”
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“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim.”
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“I hope the leaving is joyful and I hope never to return.”
Quotes About Art
As an artist and someone who found both joy and solace in creating, Frida Kahlo’s artwork was profoundly impactful, and her quotes about art speak volumes.
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“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.”
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“I don’t paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality.”
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“Painting completed my life.”
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“I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best.”
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“I want to be inside your darkest everything.”
No matter the context, Frida Kahlo’s quotes are vibrant, thought-provoking and wise. Whether you’re looking for a few words to make your day, some motivation for a project, or a reminder of the power of being a woman, Frida Kahlo’s wisdom can speak to any situation. It remains as relevant today as when it was first uttered.