Assignment #1 – Interpreting Images
Student Name
Institutional Affiliation
Instructor
Course
Date
Assignment #1 – Interpreting Images
Frida Kahlo, Self Portrait with Monkeys, 1943
Question #1
The first visual element seen in the portrait is the monkeys. According to Mexican mythology, the monkey symbolizes lust (Kagitci, 2023). However, in this painting, monkeys are seen as protective and compassionate creatures. There are four monkeys in this painting, and two of the monkeys are hugging Frida. The other two monkeys at the back are only visible from the neck and the part of their bodies are concealed by the leaves. Both Frida and the monkeys look relaxed and enjoying each other’s company. The monkeys depict a sense of caring for Frida and show that they are friends. From my point of view, I have always known monkeys to be mischievous, generous, playful, and sometimes tricksters, which is contrary to this image. In the portrait, the monkeys are so calm, indicating a sad mood.
The second visual element seen in the picture is Farida’s white cotton blouse, orange color neck, and an orange Aztec glyph, shaped like a wheel, bounded by a rectangle. Behind Farida, there is also an orange flower. From my understanding, the orange color depicts emotions and enthusiasm. The color provides joy and warmth and is regarded as an exciting color that offers emotional strength. Orange color fosters optimism, and spontaneity, while also encouraging imagination and social communication. Wearing a white blouse with an orange color depicts Kahlo’s enthusiasm and positive attitude. The white part of the blouse also symbolizes honesty, innocence, cleanliness, and new beginnings for Kahlo.
Question #2
This image can trigger different types of emotions from the viewers. Some viewers can develop a feeling of sadness. This is because, Frida and the monkeys both seem so calm, and the monkey seems to be comforting her. The two monkeys are hugging her, and she seems so far in thought and not smiling, while the other two monkeys watching from behind with sad faces. For some viewers, like myself, the portrait prompts the feeling of hope and staying positive. Despite, the challenges that Farida could have been facing, she still managed to dress up, apply her make-up, and neatly plaited her hair. She also explored nature and spent time with creatures, that understand and give her comfort. This image to me, depicts hope and enthusiasm. It encourages people to look good, stay calm, and remain positive at all times.
Question #3
The message being communicated in regards to society and gender roles is that motherhood and companionship. Farida kept monkeys in her garden as pets to represent the children that could not have, after numerous miscarriages (Kagitci, 2023). One of the primary duties of women in many societies is to have children and create a family. However, Farida’s inability to have children did not hinder her from looking for protection and companionship with animals, including monkeys, cats, dogs, and hummingbirds (Kagitci, 2023). She played her role as a woman by taking good care of the animals and creating a bond with the pets. The bond created between people and animals, can lead to social networks, created based on mutual concern over animal welfare, which leads to increased interactions among people and pet activities, for instance, Frida could join a dog-walking club, allowing her to interact with other people and her neighbors.
References
Kagitci, E. (2023, July 6). Frida Kahlo And the Symbolism in Her Art – DailyArtMagazine.com – Art History Stories. DailyArtMagazine.com – Art History Stories. https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/frida-kahlo-symbolism/