Frida, Self-Portrait with Monkey, 1943 by Natasja Tollenaar

About "Frida, Self-Portrait with Monkey, 1943"

by Natasja Tollenaar

About the artwork

Frida's story is one of both tragedy and perseverance. Kahlo contracted polio at the age of six. The disease disfigured her right leg, which she hid by wearing long skirts. She later regained her strength by playing sports. In September 1925, at the age of 18, Kahlo suffered a serious bus accident that forced her to stay in a cast for three months. The pain of the ordeal stayed with her for the rest of her life. After the crash, Kahlo began painting to relieve her boredom. Throughout her life, she made countless self-portraits. Each one offers a glimpse into the artist's world, which was in constant emotional flux. In 'Self-portrait with monkey' Kahlo depicted herself standing in front of lush vegetation, dressed in a blouse and a necklace of bones reminiscent of traditional Mexican clothing. Kahlo's furry companion is her sling monkey, Fulang-Chang, whom she adored for his childlike and playful nature. Haunted by a desire to have children, she sought solace in her many exotic pets. They wandered through the house and garden of her childhood home in Coyoacán, Mexico, where she lived with her husband, artist Diego Rivera (Mexican, 1886-1957), from 1929 until her death in 1954.

Magdalena Carmen Frida y Calderón (Coyoacán, Mexico, 6 July 1907 - 13 July 1954) was a Mexican surrealist painter.

Frida's work is characterised by cheerful colours, but contrasted with an alienating atmosphere. She did not shy away from controversy.