Frida & Diego: Art, Love, Life

by Catherine Reef

Nontraditional, controversial, rebellious, and politically volatile, the Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are remembered for their provocative paintings as well as for their deep love for each other. Their marriage was one of the most tumultuous and infamous in history—filled with passion, pain, betrayal, revolution, and, above all, art that helped define the twentieth century. Catherine Reef's inspiring and insightful dual biography features numerous archival photos and full-color reproductions of both artists' work. Endnotes, bibliography, timeline.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Art, Biography Memoir, History, Middle Grade, Disability

176 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2014

About the author

Catherine Reef is the author of more than 35 nonfiction books for young people. Her books for Clarion include the highly acclaimed JOHN STEINBECK and SIGMUND FREUD, which was the recipient of the 2002 Sydney Taylor Award, presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries. She lives in College Park, Maryland.

Reviews

[Ash Thorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the author discusses in detail the several affairs Kahlo has with the men in her life, the author does not discuss the affairs Kahlo has with women, except for one small sentence, saying that Kahlo “had affairs with women.” Because Kahlo’s bisexuality seemed to be a large part of her life, I think its lack of mention does the artist a disservice. Especially since these women in her life had a big impact on her.

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I realized that the most wonderful part of my life had been my love for Frida." "a great fiesta in which each and every being takes part, a fiesta of form, of color, of movement, of sound." La Forma, El Color, el movimiento, El sonido.....
"the center of all," she was "in the earth and in matter, thunder lightning and light rays. The mother-sea, temptest, nebula woman." El temptest. La nebulosa. La mujer...... Adios......

Beautiful......

[Monica Casanova · Rating 3 out of 5]

YA non-fiction about Frida & Diego. I was surprised by information about Diego specifically that was new to me. For instance, I didn't realize that he had children before his first marriage. It was a great introduction to the two of them and it didn't shy from their controversial marriage.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by the New York Public Library's Recommends Twitter account when I asked for a rec based on my love of the book Vincent and Theo, one of my all-time favorite nonfiction books. With that dearly loved book in mind, this one did not measure up to what I was hoping for. It is written for a younger audience, and so--while informative--is pretty bland for my tastes. Having said that, it did teach me things about Frida Kahlo that I had not known prior to reading, as well as bits of information about Diego Rivera and Mexican revolutionaries during this time period.

[Feisty Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief biography of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, their relationship, their work, and background on each of their independent lives. This reads a little bit like a biography for YA readers, I think. The text size is a little larger and it's laid out almost like a textbook with pictures every so often. However, for two lives that are so centered on art, I was surprised at how little artwork was actually depicted in the images. There were quite a few photographs, which was also nice, but again, for the way this book was laid out, it seemed like about 10 more pages of photos and art would have served it well. Not too in-depth, which I expected due to the length (two lives in 176 pages of large-size font isn't a lot of depth), but I did learn quite a bit about both Frida and Diego.

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nonfiction biography on the life of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Includes a timeline, and color pictures of both their artwork and photographs of the artists. Overall, it is extremely text heavy, with some two page spreads having no pictures and only text, making it very overwhelming. The layout of the text also makes it less appealing. The text touches on Kahlo's depression, but does not show her more graphic work. There is a nice section in the back that shows more of Rivera and Khalo's work, as well as an index and bibliography. The text covers briefly the childhoods of both artists, how they met, and then their life together. The text also covers their artistic careers.

Recommended as an optional purchase for grades 9-12.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope some of my junior high students choose to read this biography for a book report assignment. Very interesting life of Friday & Diego, both famous artists, and how they became married. Catherine Reef's narrative about married life, political interests and of course their lives as artists is told more like a story. Many photos and pictures of their art.

[Eva Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am now fascinated by these two artists. I picked this book up to become more acquainted with their lives and art. I wanted to know about them before visiting the DIA exhibit. They were a passionate and crazy duo. I can't wait to witness their works soon.

[Darcie Caswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

for upper elementary to middle school

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned some new things in this bio of the two artists. Well-written and easily understood by middle schoolers. I hope this finds a good audience!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating duo-biography of two amazing artists. Their influence on the art world still continues to be felt today. Although I may not agree with how they lived their lives, what their values/morals were, their religious views, or their political views, I have a deep respect for the contribution they made to art. I really enjoyed learning about these extraordinary people.

After Rivera had people try to censor and destroy part of one of his murals, Frida spoke out against censorship, in support of Diego: "Censoring art, hiding it from public viewing, was a 'crime against the culture of a country, against the right that every man has to express his ideas,' she wrote. It was the kind of crime committed by a leader like Hitler. 'If you do not act as an authentic Mexican at this critical moment,' Kahlo warned, 'by defending your own decrees and rights, then let the science- and history-book burnings start; let the works of art be destroyed with rocks or fire; let free men get kicked out of the country; let torture in, as well as prisons and concentration camps.' Kahlo made an important point—that freedom is lost when food people fail to act" (p. 97-98).

[Justinian · Rating 3 out of 5]

2017-12 - Frida & Diego: Art, Love, Life. Catherine Reef (Author) 2014. 176 Pages

Nicholle picked this up at the library and mentioned it to me. I knew Diego and Frida’s Artwork but little of them as artists and as people. This book served to fill out the story behind the art. It is a loving portrayal, but does not hide or explain away the reality of their lives … separately or together. It tells their stories individually and together. A lot has been written about both of these 20th century titans … and it is evident in the almost seamless storytelling that a lot of thought and editing went in to telling the stories of their lives, their art, and the people and places around them without becoming pedantic or bogging down in analysis. I think it provides a good basic understanding and leaves you wanting to learn more. The book is supplemented with photographs of them, people they dealt with, places they were, and images of their art work as well as a timeline of their lives. A good book about dramatic people … all of it strangely real.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The place to begin for true art lovers

You can never have too many "Frida and Diego" books. If you already have "Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo" by Hayden Herrera, then this will make for a colorful supplement.

I find that if you are being introduced to a subject it is best to start with a young reader's version of this book. However, the book is more sophisticated than the advertising would have you believe. It is well organized (mostly chronological) and does not talk down to you on the subject of Frida or painting. There are more first-person quotes than in most of the biographies and stories. We get plenty of footnotes that enhance and do not distract from your reading pace. There is a timeline at the back of the book to keep you abreast of what is happening.

The color pictures alone are worth the price.

After reading the book be sure to watch the movie "Frida" (2002) with Salma Hayek as Frida and Alfred Molina as Diego.

[Msoneworld4me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it a page turner? Yes
Do I like this genre? Yes
Setting: Mexico
The story telling? Yes
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes, there are enough stories, antidotes and photographs to make it light reading. If you want to skim these powerful artists histories and learn a bit about politics of the time, its great. It is a light, enjoyable read. One rainy afternoon I lazed around with a pot of tea and read it cover to cover.
Spoiler: I learned more about the artists and politics of the age. I had no idea Frida was hit by a streetcar nor how much pain she endured. I really didn't know much about their relationship or how it impacted their art.
If you are looking for a "traditional" autobiography you will probably not like this.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me exactly what I wanted to know about Frida Kahlo. It was succinct, had loads of pictures of the painter along with her paintings. I did not want to read a 600 page book and instead wanted something which was a quick read while also covering all the major events that happened in the artist’s life. This gave details about her personal, professional life as well as her health issues. It covered everything from her birth to death. It also covered Diego’s life. Great book for those who are unaware of these famous artists from Mexico. The book also had tidbits about the political climate in Mexico during that time which was an added bonus.

[Lisa Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good, accessible, & visual YA read to introduce students to the remarkable lives and work of Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo along with a basic history of 20th century Mexico. It did not shy away from the messier parts of their stories (extramarital affairs, political controversies…) but handled them appropriately for a YA audience. I loved the full color photographs of their artwork at the end and only wished there had been more shown. Including beautiful and heart wrenching excerpts from Friday’s diary and Diego’s letter helped put parts of the story in their own words. 3.5

[Cameron Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read another review that described this as YA nonfiction, and that sounds right.
Its a bit of a simplified look at the relationship between these two artists, but it does have lots of rich information about their lives (I was unfamiliar with much of Diego Riveras early life, so I appreciated that section.)
This book would probably be a good starting off point for anyone interested in these two artists.

[Kerry Shoji · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked out a number of books on Frida Kahlo from my local library in preparation for viewing an exhibit at my local museum whenever the restrictions are lifted for indoor museums. I enjoyed this book the best because it discussed the complicated relationship between Frida and Diego as well as a chronology of significant events in their lives.

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about the life and love of the two Mexican artists. It would have been better to have an image of each painting that was described. The photographs are beautiful. A nice introduction to Frida and Diego.

[Karah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a sweet introduction to the lives and art of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo for young people. It displays their frailties and strengths without judgment. I am an admirer of Frida so there was nothing here I had not known before.

Cheers!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am throughly enjoying this author’ biographies for YA. Simple and easy to read yet full of honest information.

[kath · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t much care for Reef’s writing though her pacing is exceptional and the book includes quality prints of aforementioned artwork as well as a chronology of Rivera and Kahlo’s lives.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

759.972
Read as a follow-up to visiting the Kahlo museum in Playa

[Cindy DavisClark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this before going to see an exhibition of Frida Kahlo's work. I had seen the movie Frida and this gave more information about her life, art work and relationship with Diego Riviera. Written for a young adult audience it contains many photographs of Frida, Diego and their art work. Also has a detailed timeline of their lives at the end of the book.

[Wonderkell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Frida Khalo, I think she's such an incredible inspiration. And whilst I knew much of her story, this is the first book I have read on her life or Diego Rivera. The book is ok but quite simplified. I am not sure if it was written for a younger audience as I found it in the usual adult non fic section at my library. There are some weird little things that I don't usually like in books like this, e.g. the book is fairly straight with information & then it might be telling about how Rivera was asked to remove Lenin's face from a fresco & the writing will switch to an inner thought like 'What?! Were they really asking him to change his mural?!'. So strange & a bit childish. I also felt that there was a bit of a bias toward representing & discussing Rivera's work. I do understand that he is an incredibly important artist in Mexico's history, but I feel that so too is Khalo. when Rivera's work is discussed in the book, which is more frequently, it is more often accompanied by pictures, whereas there are very few pictures of Khalo's work. Perhaps there is also a little bias on my part too. I feel a deep connection to Frida's work & her story through my own battle with chronic pain & illness, though I was not injured as badly as she. In many ways it is my story she tells years & years later.

[infoqueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It makes perfect sense to pair these two great artists for a biography: their relationship defined their lives and to a great extent, their work. Reef explores both in language accessible to her target audience (ages 12 and up), presenting not only the facts necessary for a biography report, but an examination of how their lives were reflected in their art. While she does not hide their unconventional relationship(s), she does present their numerous affairs in middle-school appropriate versions, and makes the case that each was the great love of the other's life. Reef is clearly familiar with both artists' work, and her use of primary sources (diaries and letters of Kahlo and Rivera) lends an immediacy and vigor to the text. Her analyses of their work would have been better served if there had been reproductions of the artwork facing the page analyzing and describing it, rather than grouped at the end of the book, and sparsely furnished throughout the text. (And even there, not all the works described in the book are included, although there is a helpful index at the back listing where they can be found.)
A clear look at two fascinating and influential figures of 20th century art--and their fascination and influence upon each other.

[Carly Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dual biography of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera written for teens. Reef does a good job of covering the careers of both artists and contextualizing them in their historic and artistic eras. She does not omit more adult topics - Kahlo's abortions and love affairs carried out by both Kahlo and Rivera while they were married to each other - but presents them in an appropriate way for her intended audience. I knew more about Kahlo than Rivera before reading this biography and developed a greater understanding and appreciation for Rivera's talent.

Numerous black and white photographs and illustrations are spread throughout the text and there is a concluding section with full color reproductions of 6 painting by each artist. Also included are a timeline, source notes, bibliography, index, and suggested websites and books. A good choice for teens interested in art or needing a biography for a class assignment.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be informative, easy to read, and quite engaging. Considering I have a fair amount of Kahlo knowledge
already, I still found new information as well as a great biography of Diego Rivera.

Written in chronological form and with historical details to recreate the era which played such a big part in both artists’ work, Catherine Reef’s biography gives the reader a fairly comprehensive overview of their lives. Additionally, it is chock full of photos and art (although my advanced copy is black and white), many of the photos unseen in my Frida experiences.

For a new fan to one of both, it’s a great starting point. For someone already a fan, it’s a nice addition to what you might already have. Yes, it’s written from an educational perspective, but that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment. While it won’t make you throw out your copy of Hayden Herrera’s magnificent biography, it will sit well beside it.

[Amy Formanski Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compelling dual biography reveals the complex personal lives behind the achievements of two prolific artists. With Frida's never-ending health issues, Diego's constant philandering and their involvement in the Communist party, it's a wonder that they completed so many ground-breaking paintings and murals.

The narrative is short and well-paced enough to keep the attention of teen readers, and the coffee-table format, with many all-color reproductions of the couple's best work, creates a winning combination. Reed doesn't shy away from questioning why Frida stayed with her cheating husband or how Diego often contradicted himself politically, but she also keeps the story age-appropriate without too many salacious details.

Ultimately, Frida and Diego were artistic equals and spiritual partners, and they left behind and an amazing legacy of work.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children's non-fiction book, but I honestly don't feel that it is just for young readers. This book could easily be enjoyed by adults as well as youth.
This book is as real and magical as the lives that Diego and Frida lived. Reef provides exquisite details from the lives of Diego and Frida while also explaining the cultural and worldly events that happened during their lifetimes. The influences on their art as well as the influences on their relationship with one another.
Pictures of Diego, Frida, and their artwork are spread throughout the book and help bring the reader into their world.
I am going to buy a copy of this book. I loved it so much. A must read for fans of Diego and Frida, and those interested in learning about their lives and art.