From small to big, from colored to black, these stunning Frida Kahlo tattoos are as empowering as the iconic female artist.
Short, full of struggles but splendid, the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo inspires and empowers women from all around the world. Across cultures, her arts reflect her strength her attitude, which made her iconic.
Throughout her short but prolific life, she had more than 140 paintings. And the most well-known among them all are her self-portraits. The intense gaze and the bold colors and shapes all carry her unique style and imagination.
But why is Frida Kahlo so important? And why are people getting Frida Kahlo tattoos? Her life story will give us the answer.
Who is Frida Kahlo?
Born in Mexican in 1907, Frida Kahlo was the child of a Germany photographer and a Mexican woman. The European-Mexican root has a continuous influence on her art later on.
But before she taught herself to paint, she suffered from Polio at the age of 6, leaving her crippling on one leg. And when she was 18, a severe tram accident almost took her life.
She was lucky enough to survive, but the injuries left her in pain for the rest of her existence on the planet. In the next almost 30 years, she went through numerous surgeries until the pain became unbearable for her to continue.
Why are people getting Frida Kahlo tattoos?
Tattoos, just like paintings, are a form of self-expression. And people are getting Frida Kahlo tattoos for several reasons:
- The love of her unique style
Her surrealist interpretation of life is not only fascinating but unique. Her style translates into tattoos and gives the ink a personality and attitude.
- An icon of empowerment
During her life, she had to battle pain and disabilities. Being a female artist is hard, not to mention being a disabled female artist.
The fact that her work attracts global attention encourages us to chase our wildest dreams. And for people that are going through a tough time, Frida Kahlo tattoos will remind them of their strength.
- An inspiration of LGBTQ community
Her relationship with her husband was dysfunctional, to say the least. But she also explored her sexuality with both men and women.
It broke the social expectations, but she never hid her true self. Her courage and authenticity make her relatable to the LGBTQ community to this day.
Disclaimer: This tattoo collection is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.
Empowering Frida Kahlo tattoos with meaning
Realism Frida Kahlo forearm tattoo
A lot of artistic tattoos are replicas or recreations of an artwork. But some of them are about the artists themselves. This intricate tattoo is one of them.
It was inspired by a photo of Frida Kahlo. In it, she is wearing her classic Mexican flower crown. Her gaze is gentle but determined. Such an elaborate tattoo reflects the tattooist’s techniques and passion.
Painting The Broken Column
In this black and grey thigh tattoo, Frida is painting The Broken Column, an artwork that represents her pain and strength.
In the painting, she is wearing a metal cast to support her spine. That mirrors the artist’s real life after the nearly fatal accident. But as she painted this daunting image of herself, she showed no emotion but calmness. It says a lot about her mental strength gained from adversity.
Half Frida tattoo
It’s not easy to tattoo a portrait as real as a photo. But this tattoo nails it. The shading, lines, and color are on point. And the slender shape of this half-portrait fits perfectly for placements on the thigh, calf, or arm.
Frida Kahlo arm tattoo
Photo and self-portrait of Frida Kahlo
Good tattoos are the ones that surprise you. And this is one of them. At first glance, it looks like a well-executed but regular photo tattoo.
But when you look closer, you will see that the color part of it actually comes from Frida’s artwork: Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.
This tattoo puts art and photo together to complement each other. It not only demonstrates great tattoo skills. The creativity also deserves a round of applause.
Girl Power
Frida Kahlo inspires generations of women to pursue their dreams. And putting her photo on the Rosie the Riveter is an excellent way to pay tribute.
Frida Kahlo brushstroke tattoo
It’s not common to tattoo a portrait on a brushstroke because the space is often limited. This small tattoo, however, captures the features of the artist perfectly. In addition, the reflection on the edge makes it look like a real stroke of paint.
Badass Kahlo
When we talk about Frida, we often talk about her pain and struggles. But she was also a badass woman who explored art and love fearlessly. This creative fusion tat reminds the world of her savage side.
Black and grey Self-portrait in a Velvet Dress
Frida uses bold color combos to illustrate her ideas. This sleeve tattoo honors it by creating contrasting color blocks that complement the imagery.
Black and grey Self-portrait in a Velvet Dress
The painting, Self-portrait in a Velvet Dress is among Frida’s early works. The fact that she was depicted as slightly rigid and disproportioned shows the Renaissance influence on her artwork.
While the original painting is in color, the tattoo artist does an excellent job in modifying it into black and grey and still keeping the definition.
Simple and small Frida Kahlo tattoo
It’s not easy for a tattoo to be intricate and small. But, that’s why this tiny tattoo makes the list. There are a lot of details on Frida’s hair and headpiece. But the tattooist managed to draw them on the skin while keeping the lines clean. So, this small and simple tattoo will be perfect for girls looking for an empowering tat.
Minimalist Frida tattoo on the ribcage
Among Frida Kahlo’s works, leaves and flowers are common elements. This ribcage tattoo paints out the details and keeps only a leaf and basic facial features like her unibrow. It’s sleek and minimalist, but you can still tell it’s Frida with no problem.
Abstract crying Frida
A portrait tattoo doesn’t have to be literal. This abstract design uses large shapes of red and pink to represent Frida’s flower crown. The black outlines her hairline and brows. And the drop of tear creates a color contrast between warm and cold. It also symbolizes all the sufferings she has, making this tattoo meaningful.
Realism Frida on the thigh
It takes courage to get a large tattoo like this one. But courage and authenticity are all Frida Kahlo is about.
Frida Kahlo and Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo might belong to different styles. But both of them wrote their names in history with their highly unique personalities. If you love the two artists, a collage tattoo like this one will be perfect for you.
Minimalist Frida Kahlo tattoo
Unibrow, flower crowns, and a braided headband, this tattoo captures the signature features of Frida Kahlo. As simple as it is, those who know about Frida will have no problem recognizing her at first sight.
The profile of Frida
There is no doubt that Frida Kahlo is beautiful. But, by keeping her unibrow and facial hair, she defies society’s beauty standards. This profile tattoo illustrates her facial structure with the harsh shadows, giving her a sense of masculinity. And it’s aligned with the artist’s strong and authentic image.
Frida on the forearm
If you are a fan of Frida, you may have seen flowers in many of her paintings. Flowers represent love, purity, femininity, and fertility. Unfortunately, Frida Kahlo lost her ability to bear children early in her life. And that’s why the flower crown held a special meaning to her.
Scratched-off poster of Frida Kahlo
Another combination of colors and black, photo and art. This creative Frida Kahlo tattoo reminds how great art can be evergreen.
Breakfast at Kahlo’s
Though Frida Kahlo wore traditional Mexican clothing most of the time, she had a classic European style floating in her blood.
And she had actually painted herself in dresses of different styles. That’s why the imageries of her portrait and Audrey Hepburn go so well together – both beautiful in their own ways.
Frida Kahlo butterfly tattoo
Frida once said, “Feet, what do I need you for, when I have wings to fly?” This butterfly tattoo is the perfect interpretation of her words. It also echoes her famous painting The Two Fridas, making this tattoo one-of-a-kind.
The Wounded Deer
Though Frida’s art is categorized as Surrealism, most of her paintings are not difficult to understand.
Frida depicted herself as a deer with wounds all over her body. They were a metaphor of the unsuccessful operations she went through, which caused her more pain. Even without the background information, one can feel the painting’s suffering, struggles, and despair.
The two Fridas
This tattoo is a modified version of The Two Fridas. In the original painting, two Fridas sit next to each other, connected by the main artery. Both of them have visible hearts, which represent sorrow and sacrifice.
This elaborate heart tattoo painted out the rest and kept the beating heart. It can be seen as a bridge connecting the old and new Frida, the betrayed wife and the reborn woman of her own.
Abstract Frida Kahlo arm tattoo
Beauty doesn’t always bloom in colors. Black and white can create prosperity in a tattoo as well.
Unfinished
What is genius about this tattoo is the blank space. Instead of a complete photo tattoo, only a fragment is visible. Frida Kahlo has some paintings she couldn’t finish throughout her artistic life due to pain and illness. And this fragmented tattoo is a reflection of her life cut short.
Stunning realism Frida Kahlo portrait tattoo
Even in black and white, this tattoo still captures the fire in Frida’s eyes. Her husband fell in love with it. And the rest of the world is in awe of it.
The blooming Frida
Chrysanthemum symbolizes life and rebirth. The tattoo artist plays with the symbolism by putting Frida as stamens of the flower. It represents her nirvana after a life of suffering.
Small black and grey Frida Kahlo calf tattoo
If you love black and white tattoos, you will like this one here. The tattooist uses different shades of black to illustrate shadows, lights, different textures, and patterns. And the result is worth the effort.
The crying Frida Kahlo sleeve tattoo
Big tattoos like one on the thigh or a full sleeve are strong self-statements. Such a tattoo will be perfect for people who can endure the worst pain and grow through struggles.
The beating heart
The heart often symbolizes life and love in Frida’s works. And in this tattoo, the artist draws Frida as a deer, just like The Wounded Deer.
But unlike in the painting, this time, she is not hurt or bleeding. Instead, she reveals her heart courageously, and nothing stops her from glowing. It’s an empowering tattoo but also a piece of art.
Frida Kahlo arrow tattoo
Simple and sleek, the lines across resemble the axis. The blank space in the area of her eyes leaves room for imagination.
The heart of Frida
I paint flowers so they will not die. – Frida Kahlo
The talented artist has a strong connection with flowers, as shown in this tattoo. Flowers represent life and celebration. And they are proof that despite the sufferings, Frida was optimistic and passionate about life.
Line art Frida bicep tattoo
Every artwork is based on lines and shapes. However, this tattoo takes the power of lines to another level. A few continuous lines create a vivid image of Frida Kahlo, chilling and smoking. For Frida followers who want a less literal tat, this one might be it.
ss Frida Kahlo and The Starry Night
Two different art styles, two legends of different times. Yet together, the two artworks work like a symphony.
Read also: 21 Stunning and creative Vincent Van Gogh tattoos
Flowers and Frida
Flowers are so closely connected to Frida, not only as accessories, clothing, or an object in paintings. They also represent part of her soul, passionate, flamboyant, and beautiful.
The smoking Frida
Frida was photographed smoking many times. This tattoo replicates one of the photos and shows her carefree and authentic attitude.
The artistic Hall of Fame
Three giants in the history of art – Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, and Salvador Dalí are all in one tattoo. The three color combos represent their personalities and also make the tattoo pop out.
Read also: 27 Artistic tattoos for art lovers
Beautiful Frida Kahlo tattoo on the shoulder
It’s not easy to put portrait tattoos on the shoulder. But this one is an exception. Instead, the tattoo artist customizes the shape of the flowers to fill the space. And the result is gorgeous.
The painting of a self-portrait
Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird is an important piece of art in Frida’s career. It was created after her divorce from Diego Rivera. And every element in the painting has its own meaning.
The thorns that strangle her throat are the most eye-catching part, representing the unbearable pain she was going through. This tattoo captures the creation process of the masterpiece. In it, we see a strong, beautiful woman who is telling us a story with colors and lines.
Which of these Frida Kahlo tattoos is your favorite?
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