ARTIST AND LOVE STORY

Couldn't leave Mexico City without making a pilgrimage to the home and studio of Frida Kahlo, arguably the most influential and iconic woman artist of recent history. In the now-trendy neighbourhood of Coyahucan, the blazing blue block looks fort-like and imposing. But inside are lush shady gardens, and the family home where Frida was born, bedridden, famous, and died.

The story is well known. Polio from a young age, headstrong, horrific traffic accident at 18 that put her in bed for a year. Started to paint to pass the time, invented "naive realism" style with wild colour schemes. Swept up by established and renowned artist Diego Rivera when she was 20, he 36. Became international star in her own right. Painted, sculpted, designed, sang, politicized. Friend of Trotsky, Nelson Rockefeller, Picasso, sold first painting to Hollywood bad guy Edward G. Robinson. Appeared in Europe Vogue as style icon. Etc., etc. Right foot amputated, died at 47.

Her house has been left just as when she died. Cameras not permitted but I managed a few shots of her wheelchair-easel, convalescent bed, and paper-mache figures. There are 20,000 other of her creations in existence ---- now very valuable.

The courtship, marriage, affairs, remarriage, and mutual devotion of Frida and Diego is a relationship for the ages (many times the intensity and talent of say Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton). For Valentine's Day, may you love and be loved just as deeply.