Computer art/ Vania Lujano/ Per.4 11/21/14 Frida Kahlo Computer art/ Vania Lujano/ Per.4 11/21/14

Bio Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon was born on July 6, 1907 in Coyocoán, a small town on the outskirts of Mexico City where she grew up with her three sisters. At her preparatory school she attended she was one of the only female students. Kahlo was in an accident that caused her to suffer hip, spine and pelvis injuries. It’s during this time she started painting and finished her first self portrait: “Frame”. It’s obvious that during this time of her injury Kahlo’s artworks changed dramatically , from the vivid colors in some of her first paintings. In contrast with some of her later works that do not feature the same vibrant hues, instead muted, neutral color scheme with more serious tone. This could have something to do with her blossoming interest in politics. As she Became more politically active she joined the Mexican Communist Party and the Young Communist League. In 1929 Kahlo married another well known Mexican artist, Diego Rivera. Though their marriage was not traditional, Rivera’s infidelity caused their separation in 1940. Both Kahlo and Rivera were also communist sympathizers who befriended and lived with Leon Trotsky before his assassination in Coyocoán. Official cause of death, a pulmonary embolism, though there are stories of possible suicide.

Moses: Nucleus of Creation Oil on Masonite This painting done in a miniature mural style was commissioned by Don Jose Domingo Lavin, the figure in the center represents Diego. In the foreground a conch is spouting a liquid into a concave shell that was considered by Kahlo the symbol of love. Also the leaves spouting from dead tree trunks represent the cycle of life and death that Kahlo refers to in other paintings.

Oil on Aluminum and glass Frame Still Life With Parrot Oil on Aluminum and glass Oil on Canvas This portrait experiments with mixed medium, a type of art that has a similar look to watercolors. This was Kahlo’s first painting and self portrait. This still life shows vivid colors and a simple technique that has been seen from many works done by Kahlo in the last years of her life.

Without Hope Oil on Canvas This was done during the time of Kahlo’s injury when she had lost her appetite as a result of many surgeries she had undergone. This shows her “force feed” diet. The wooden art easel that used to hold her paintings is now supporting the funnel feeding her constantly. Her new lack of mobility is also shown not only by her pose, but the lack of control she has for her situation.

Reflection I don’t necessarily emulate the artist I picked, but I do find her story and art worth learning more about. Kahlo was a non white female artist which I think was significant. She is considered today an icon because of her unwillingness to abide by the roles society had for women, especially during her time. Kahlo is an important artistic figure. From researching one specific artist It’s helped to understand the artists aesthetic, also some reasons behind the choices they made and what was their environment while creating their works.

Sources http://www.frida-kahlo-foundation.org/biography.html http://www.biography.com/people/frida-kahlo-9359496#synopsis http://www.fridakahlofans.com/mainmenu.html