Who Was Her Own Work of Art?: Frida Kahlo

by Terry Blas, Ashanti Fortson (Illustrator), Who H.Q.

Discover how Frida Kahlo became one of the most recognizable artists in the world in this powerful graphic novel written by award-winning author Terry Blas and illustrated by Ignatz Award-winning artist Ashanti Fortson.

Presenting Who HQ Graphic an exciting new addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series!

Explore Mexican painter Frida Kahlo's rise to stardom, as she travels from Mexico to New York City for her first-ever solo exhibition and sets the art world aflame. A story of independence, determination, and finding beauty within one's scars, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into the incredible power of one of the greatest artists of all time -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Historical, Art, Biography Memoir, Comics

64 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

TERRY BLAS is an illustrator and writer based in Portland, Oregon. He is the writer behind the auto-bio comics Ghetto Swirl and You Say Latino (featured on NPR, OPB, Vox.com and Cosmo.com.)

Terry’s work has appeared in comics Bravest Warriors, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, Adventure Time, and Rick and Morty.

His first graphic novel, Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom, is a murder mystery set at a weight loss camp. Dead Weight has been named by YALSA as a 2019 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers.

His latest graphic novel, Hotel Dare, a love letter to his childhood memories in Mexico, will be in stores June 2019.

Reviews

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but sweet glimpse into the period of Frida Kahlo's life when she was beginning to mount solo shows of her paintings in New York and Paris. I loved the bright colors, tender character designs, and the reconstructions of conversations she may have overheard at her gallery openings. In no way a complete biography, but instead a little window into the life of a passionate artist.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always count it a win when I read one of these books and learn something new about the subject. It's rare that I DON'T learn a new fact.

The fact in this book (in addition to its focus on her relationship with a man other than Diego Rivera) was the review she was given in Time magazine titled "Art: Bomb Beribboned" and how she caused a "flutter of the week in Manhattan" and described her work as "a ribbon around a bomb" which was an encapsulation of her feelings and world.

The graphic novel Who HQ books intersperse story with graphic story in a snapshot time when she created her art and had several art showings abroad. It was not meant to share her whole life but these art installation/sales.

[Seras23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s good, and I like it, but there’s nothing queer in it. Considering how much of a queer icon Frida is, I really think there should have at least been some mention of that aspect of her life. There are hints that she and Diego had other lovers, but nothing definitive, and I definitely wouldn’t have guessed from her interactions with Georgia O’Keefe in this book that they were also lovers. It’s a bit of a shame, but I guess the book is just trying to focus on her rise to fame in the art world. It’s a decent book, but I would have liked to have seen more of her life portrayed in it.

[Brianna Aracely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the style being comics I learned exactly what I wanted to know about Frida with it being a quick read. Her birthday is my anniversary actually and I had no idea she was half Mexican and half German literally what I am, that’s so awesome!

[Tara Thieleke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun quick read with excellent illustrations. I love all things Frida. Although fictional youthful dialogue, I think it captures the essence of how Frida felt about traveling, showing her artwork, and the important people in her life.

[Denae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro to Frida Kahlo for children in the graphic novel format.

[BiblioBrandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to Frida Kahlo. I loved the graphic novel format, and I hope it will lead some students to dig deeper into this artist's life.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew very little about Frida Kahlo before this book, so this was fascinating to me.

[Raj Bowers-Racine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a full biography, but a great account of the era in which Frida broke into the mainstream.

[Leigh Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short snapshot at Frida’s life. It does hint at her love affair with Nicholas. It also talks about her having marriage troubles with Diego, just a heads up for parents.