Modern Latin American Art - Frida Kahlo - Research Paper Example

In 1922, Frida enrolled herself at the renowned National Preparatory School for her education. 

7. 
   
   What was the artist’s early career like? Was it as an artist or was it in another field?

Frida’s early career was as an artist. Ever since her accident when her body was in a cast, she began her painting career. 

Young Adult Life and Artistic Beginnings 
1. Did the artist marry? If so, note any information on the marriage. 
Yes, Frida married the celebrated Mexican mural artist Diego Rivera, divorced him but remarried him again. 

2. 
   
   Did the artist have children? If so, note any information on the children.

No, after her critical accident, the artist was unable to bear children.

3. 
   What were the artist’s early experiences as an artist?

She began her painting career after her critical accident that had made her bedridden. Her first painting was a portrait of herself that she presented to Gómez Arias.

4. 
   
   What were the significant early works of art and what were they like?

Her early works on her self-portraits were highly personal and depicted the story of her second miscarriage. Some of her early works were more graphic and contained surrealistic elements. 

(This section is worth 20 points.) 

Historical Information 
1. What major historical events took place during the time in which the artist lived: 
a. Europe 
b. Asia 
c. Africa 
d. North America 
e. South America 
(This section is worth 20 points.) 

Historical Information on the Style 
1. What style did the artist work in? (This is noted for you at the beginning of this assignment). 

The style adopted by the artist was Latin American Modernism where she made use of concepts based on Modern Art.

2. Describe the significant characteristics of this style. 

Some of the significant characteristics of this style are the use of abstraction to lend expression through reality. This style makes use of geometric patterns, form, and rhythm for such depictions.

3. Name some of the other artists who worked in this style. 

Jacquline Barnitz

Gego (Gertrud Goldschmidt)

Ella Fontanais -Cisneros

4. 
   Where and when did this style occur?

This style occurred in Mexico during the era of great political change and was the period when Modern Art emerged. 
(This section is worth 15 points.) 

Highlights of Artistic Career 
1. What were some of the highlights of the artistic career of the artist? 

In 1938 she held a major exhibition of all her works at the New York City Gallery and sold more than half of her paintings there. She was also given two commissions due to the success of her show. 

2. 
   
   Briefly discuss several significant works by the artist. Name the works and tell a little about each.
   Some of her notable works are –

1. Self Portrait – (1926) This portrait was the first one painted by her when she was in a cast after her accident and was recuperating.
2. The Two Fridas (1939) This painting had two versions of herself sitting side by side. One was dressed in white with a damaged heart and blood dripping onto her clothes. The other version had her sitting with bold clothing and an intact heart.
3. The Suicide of Dorothy Hale (1939) Dorothy Hale was an actress friend who committed suicide by jumping off a high-rise building. This painting was meant to be a gift to Dorothy’s mother.