The world loves Frida Kahlo, a pop culture icon

A Frida Kahlo doll is seen next to a picture of the late Mexican artist at a doll factory in Mexico City. Photo: AFP

Graphic and colourful, Frida Kahlo has become a favourite accessory of our home interiors. However, in many respects, the woman who became an icon of feminism is a far cry from the sleek and stylised image selling in stores or online for a few dollars.

Accomplished artist, openly bisexual and married to a man 20 years her senior, Frida Kahlo represents the strong woman, a fighter despite her physical disability, independent and breaking with social conventions.