Born Katalin Deutsch in Budapest, Kati Horna lived and worked across Europe before settling in Mexico, where she became a naturalized citizen. Her early career was defined by her documentation of the Spanish Civil War, a period during which much of her work was feared lost. Her formative experiences in Europe and her subsequent integration into the Mexican artistic community shaped her distinct approach to photojournalism and surrealist photography.

Horna is noted for her ability to shift the perspective on conflict, moving away from traditional masculine narratives to emphasize the domestic and psychological realities of war. Her practice often utilized surrealist techniques to explore themes of memory, trauma, and identity. She was also a dedicated teacher, influencing generations of photographers in Mexico.

Her legacy continues to be examined within the context of 20th-century surrealism and documentary photography. Recent institutional interest in the Mexican surrealist circle, including figures like Remedios Varo, has further highlighted the historical significance of Horna's contributions to the medium.