Instructions:
For this Art Interpretive Evaluation Essay, you will view and evaluate the work of visual art between Frida Kahlo's art and the visual art you found locally in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Kahlo's painting is the "Self-Portrait on the Border Between Mexico and the United States". She composed this painting during a prolonged stay in the United States while her husband Diego Rivera was working there on another art project.
1. Use the MLA Format
2. You should also refer back to the Module 5 Online Exploration resources and USE AND CITE these research sources in your essay. You may use additional resources too. In any case, be sure to cite your sources.
INSTRUCTIONS
- 1: Describe Kahlo's painting: What is your general impression of the painting? What parts of the painting represent Mexico? What parts of the painting represent the United States? How do these two depictions differ?
- 2: Interpret her painting: Kahlo once said, "I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best." What parts of herself does Kahlo seem to be exploring in this self-portrait? What might she be saying about herself in relation to the two countries in the painting? Cite examples to support your interpretation.
- 3: Identify the artistic characteristics and styles in the painting: What elements of surrealism do you see in the painting? What elements of indigenous art do you see? How do the two work together? Cite specific examples.
- 4: Interpret the artist's motivation: This is the most speculative. Frida Kahlo was first exhibited as Mrs. Diego Rivera. How do you think being married to a famous man affected Kahlo's life and her work? Is there anything in the painting that has relevance to her position as a famous artist's wife?
- Paragraph 5: Describe (and give the title, artist, and location) your local piece of art. How does this art differ or relate to Kahlo's? What elements do you see in this art that remind you of Kahlo's or that are similarly influenced? In what ways does studying 'famous' art help us to identify art we have more access to? Once again, please refer to your "1st Quarter Wrap Up" to identify questions/actions/motivations that can be seen in both works.