Painting and Activism Works by Frida Kahlo - Coursework Example

Frida Kahlo affiliation Frida Kahlo Frida Kahlo is a Mexican artist who gained popularity from her painting and activismworks. Kahlo was born in Mexico of a Mexican mother and a German father. She also studied in Mexico regardless of the level of education in the country. However, during her teenage life an event changed her life. She was involved in an accident which almost paralyzed her. In the accident, she damaged her pelvis and spinal cord which limited her locomotion for some time. However, after a while she regained her strength to enable her mobility. During her time in recovery, Kahlo felt separated from the world and from this loneliness she began painting (Griffiths, 2011). Her painting portrayed her feeling at the moment from which she was enabled to create paintings of herself. After realizing her ability to paint, she later became an activist. Her activism was realized by her relationship a fellow activist, Diego Rivera. Her painting attracted audience in Paris, New York and major cities across the west and Europe (Zamora. 1995). Apart from her exceptional paintings, Kahlo was perceived as a woman who empowered other women through her sacrificeand the fact that she took part in activism at a time when it was regarded as a social and political ill. The selection to focus on Ms. Kahlo is based on the fact that she is regarded as one of the phenomena women in the globe for her contribution her country. In addition, Kahlo was an agent of change to the society as well as an empowerment tool. Her selection is based on the fact that she redefined misfortunes as a source of opportunity. Additionally, Kahlo betrayed personal traitors the same as heroine in the field of art as well as activism (Budrys, 1996). This paper will analyze the character and life of Frida Kahlo in respect to her persona; and professional; attributes. In addition the paper will reflect on the impact of the Kahlo in her society. Overview of personality perspective Cognitive Frida Kahlo could be described as a smart woman considering the quality of her works. In addition her performance in school was exceptional. During her childhood, many girls shied away from education due to the low significance it was perceived by at the time. However, Kahlo was never denied the opportunity to study. She had a hunger for education and her performance reflected the same. After her accident Kahlo’s cognitive abilities were further displayed. In an argument by Zamora (1995) her paintings reflected a smart and a woman influenced by her will to portray her personal feelings. The author further points out that the art created by Kahlo was exceptional and of top quality considering the minimal depth of art at the time. Her paintings also gained global recognition as she was invited to major cities to display her art work. From this analysis, one may point out that Kahlo’s cognitive ability was exceptional (Tibol, 1983). Behaviorist In regards to behavior, Kahlo did not match her art works. This was mainly displayed in her marriage life after she was accused for infidelity for more than one time. This led to divorces in her marriage. However, Kahlo was a well behaved girl in school. Tibol (1983) points out that her mannerism in school was one dominated by respect, urge to learn and obedient. The accident she had changed every personal aspect she had. Her time in solitude enabled her to connect with her inner self which was not at peace. Embracing her inner self, Kahlo became a different person in regards to the way she perceived all aspects of life. However, one positive change was the fact she realized how impactful her abilities sin work could be to the world. In addition she became a political activist. This displays her behavior as one dominated by self-influence and belief (Griffiths, 2011). Humanistic In regards to her behavior, Kahlo displayed great humanistic personalities that were based on her own self-belief and practice. Kahlo believed in her abilities to change the world regardless of the rules she had to break. For this reason, Kahlo became more humanistic and embraced this part of her life dearly. The accident in her teenage life was the reason behind the humanistic approach life (Budrys, 2006). In addition, she painted nude portraits of herself which at the time could be viewed as social misconduct. However, she did not mind her approach to life which differed from everything else people believed in and expected of people. During her marriage to Rivera, her humanistic side of her character was further displayed. Kahlo indulged in extra marital affairs with both men and women. Generally, Kahlo was not tamed by either by the society or her personal responsibility. This made her achieve many goals that most women could not achieve in the global map (Zamora, 1995). Biological Kahlo’s health was a significant highlight in her life. Firstly, she was diagnosed with polio. At the time, there was not quality medication that permanently disabled the effects of polio in children. Polio nearly made her limbs paralyzed. However, she was able to walk again. Later in her teenage life, she was involved in road accident that nearly killed her (Cruz, 1996). The accident occurred on her way from school. In the bus, a metal bar pierced her thigh finding its way through her flesh. Her back was also hit which caused injuries to her spinal cord. From this accident, Kahlo was bound to bed rest since she could not move from her bedside. With time she gained strength but she could recover to her perfect health. However, the major biological change from the accident is the fact that she could not bear children. Her womb could not handle a fetus till maturity of birth. Trait Kahlo displayed many traits based on her professional and personal life. Traits portrayed in her professional life completely differed from her personal traits. However, there a similarity in the fact that she embraced a personal approach to life not influenced by any factor or requirement. In her professional traits, Kahlo was keen to maintain a professional image relevant to her work. In an argument by Tibol (1983) Kahlo embraced her paintings with high regards and her life revolved around making painting that her audience would fine exceptional. While making global tours to show case her talent, Kahlo rarely got involved in personal confrontations and exposure of her personal traits. On the other hand, her personal life never had boundaries she operated within. Cruz (1996) points out that Kahlo did everything that pleased her even at everyone’s disapproval. Interactionist This aspect of her life was dominated with her personal approach to people that pleased her and matter in her life. One significant interaction in her life was the courtship leading to marriage by Diego Rivera. She valued her marriage. However, she was accused of having affairs with other people on few occasions. This never changed her feelings towards her husband who they were together till her death. She also interacted deeply with artists who made similar art work as hers. This enabled her to row her exposure in the field. She also interacted with fellow activists and came up with policies that were a9imed at changing the political approach by governments (Cruz, 1996). Conclusion Apart from the Interactionist highlighted in the text, Kahlo was perceived as a woman who changed the feminine approach to art and politics. In addition, girls in her own country viewed her as a role model. This was based on the fact that she was almost paralyzed but never lost the passion to do art and be an activism. From this analysis it is an obvious assumption that Kahlo was a woman of character and agent change in her work as well as the society she lived in. in her home country she is perceived as the few exceptional pioneers of art the same perception shared of her across the globe. References Budrys, V. (2006)."Neurological Deficits in the Life and Work of Frida Kahlo". European Neurology 55 (1): 4–10. Cruz, B. (1996). Frida Kahlo: Portrait of a Mexican Painter. Berkeley Heights: Enslow. Griffiths, J. (2011). A Love Letter from a Stray Moon. Melbourne: Text Publishing. Tibol, R. (1983). English translation 1993 by Eleanor Randall) Frida Kahlo: an Open Life. USA: University of New Mexico Press. Zamora, M. (1995).The Letters of Frida Kahlo: CartasApasionadas. New York: Chronicle Books. Read More