Frida Kahlo

Biography: 1907-1954 Kahlo did not originally dream of becoming an artist. She went to the National Preparatory School in Mexico City in the premedical program. When she was 18 she was in a severe bus accident that left her bed ridden for over a year. At this time she started painting, usually still-life’s and self-portraits. She married the Mexican artist, Diego Rivera in 1929. She had her first solo exhibition in 1938 at the Julien Levy Gallery in New York City. But her reputation soared after her death in the 1980’s by feminist art historians.

"Las Dos Fridas"

Description: This is a self-portrait of Frida. There are two Frida’s sitting in chairs holding hands, each angled toward the center of the painting. They are both wearing long dresses, one is blue and brown and the other dress is white with flowers on it. They are connected by veins that are coming out of their hearts that are shown outside their bodies. Both Frida’s have the same blank stare on their face and their hair is the same as well. The background looks like a stormy sky.

Analysis of Design: This painting shows balance and contrast. The two Frida’s are symmetrically balanced, separating the picture in two. But they also contrast each other by wearing different dresses. There is texture in the folds of the fabric, the hearts and blood on the chest, and also in the background.

Interpretation: This is a self-portrait so this explains how Frida feels about herself. There are two sides to her.

Judgment: I love the painting. I think it’s very raw and true. I like the fact that she points out her flaws and that there are two of her, which tells us there is more than one side to her.