Art in Culture: Frida Kahlo and Her Work

This essay provides an insight into the work of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, known for her self-portraits and use of symbolism. It explores her life, artistic style, and the messages conveyed through her paintings.

Art in Culture essay
and Reflection

Table of Contents
Paper Part 1......................................................................................................................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Part II – Creative Project..................................................................................................................4
Recreation Stage..........................................................................................................................4
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................5
References........................................................................................................................................6

Paper Part 1
Introduction
Art is defined as huge subdivision of culture that comprises of creative disciplines as well
as endeavours. It is a broad term that means description of field normally through utilisation of
visual arts it involves literary arts or performing arts like theatre, dance, painting, music, etc 1.
This essay will provide an insight into the work of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo who was born
on July 6th, 1907. Frida is known for self-portraits, portraits and work that is being inspired by
nature along with artifacts of Mexico. The style choose was naïve folk art.
The reason behind exploring Frida was that she was a self-motivated person and this can
be understood by the fact that as a child they went through chronic ailments and slight limp
which will be endured lifetime. After this in 1925, Frida met with an accident where she went
through near about 30 medical operations and at that moment taught painting to herself. In such
kind of situations where people loose their hope to survive, she fought the battle to live and
became the renowned Mexican painter. The work done by Frida was surrealist which implies
that the reality was covered within her work which seemed pleasing and reality was covered in
this. The original name of Frida was Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo y Calderon and her father
was German descendent and photographer. Mother of Frida was Spanish. Within her school time
she became famous for her bravery and outspokenness. While she was injured and she made self-
portrait as a first painting, the words of painter were “I am the subject I know best”. This clearly
indicates that her work was real and it was based on the experience she had attained or seen in
her life 2. The family was supportive as well as encouraged her for painting while she was on
bed.
The work done by Frida varies and are simple depiction of the world around her or
herself. They evolved around her memories which comprises of hidden details that are rich in
symbols. Self-portrait, in which Frida was dressed in traditional attire and this was referred to as
retablos. The other portrait painted by the artist was with her husband that furnished an insight
into love that prevails among them.
1 Courtney and et. al. "Frida Kahlo: portrait of chronic pain." Physical therapy 97.1
(2017): 90-96.
2 Deffebach, Nancy. María Izquierdo and Frida Kahlo: challenging visions in modern
Mexican art. University of Texas Press, 2015.
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In 1950s, Frida emphasised on still or constant paintings and from 1951 to 1954 her own
portraits disappeared. At this time, the art work comprised of birds, fruits and artefacts which are
native to Mexico for making a political statements with reference to Mexican nationalism along
with independence 3.
3 Fabiny, Sarah, and H. Q. Who. Who was Frida Kahlo?. Penguin, 2013.
2
Illustration 1: Frida Kahlo and Diego
Illustration 2: Weeping Coconuts

The other aspect that is being illustrated within these pictures was sexuality, that was
explored via fleshiness of cut fruit that acts like a invitation of pleasure for their viewers 4. The
painting had Mexican flag which signals erotic imagery. The another painting illustrated benefits
from the revolution and serve the party in which artist (Frida) embraced Utopian belief that
depicted that world can freed from sufferings and pain through political convictions associated
with Marxism.
4 Herrera, Hayden. Frida: The biography of Frida Kahlo. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018.
3
Illustration 3: Self-Portrait of Frida Kahlo

Many more works have been done by Frida Kahlo which depicts the reality or
experiences that have been attained by them. The work done by the artist is great as within this
emphasis is laid on different situations like when Frida's sister was born then they have hired a
nurse to feed her. This was portrait by the artist. Though there are many artist who do the art
work but work that is being done by Frida gave insight into life, surroundings which existed at
specific frame of time. The work that is being carried out by other authors were more on
hypothetical basis like adding up more colors so that entire view looks soothing to eyes
irrespective of the fact that they prevails actually or not 5.
The colors that are being used within the paint are captivating and grabs the attention of
viewer. It seems as if we are present there and actually viewing the specific view. Some
paintings of the artist revealed the sexuality along the politics within the same view with the
usage of fruits or still objects which may not be even thought of. So, the work done Frida Kahlo
is fascinating and takes an individual back to the particular time frame.
Part II – Creative Project
Recreation Stage
The recreation of work done by Frida Kahlo is specified below:
5 Souter, Gerry. Frida Kahlo. Parkstone International, 2016.
4
Illustration 4: The Two Fridas

Conclusion
From above, it can be concluded that, art illustrates the various aspects associated with
the reality. The artists use different styles to depict different illustrations of reality and it also acts
a strong message which may create an affirmative influence on individuals.
5
Illustration 5: Recreation of Frida Kahlo
Illustration 6: Remake of 2 Frida

References
Books & Journals
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