What nickname was given to Frida Kahlo’s students at La Esmeralda?

Frida Kahlo’s students at La Esmeralda were nicknamed Los Fridos.

The name “Los Fridos” was formed from Frida’s first name and referred to a group of young artists who studied under her. Kahlo taught at La Esmeralda from 1943, but worsening health often made it difficult for her to travel. She therefore held lessons at Casa Azul, where students could work under her guidance.

The nickname does not mean that the students were simply formal members of a school named after Kahlo. It identifies their association with her teaching and personal artistic influence. The group is remembered as part of the post-revolutionary Mexican art environment.

Kahlo encouraged the students to observe everyday Mexican life and to avoid treating European art as the only model for serious painting. Their connection with her also helped preserve the memory of her role as a teacher, which is sometimes overshadowed by her self-portraits and relationship with Diego Rivera.