In Self-Portrait with Monkey, a tropical plant forms the background - a motif Frida often used in her work. She depicted herself in an academic mood, which is related to the period when she started teaching at the School of Painting and Sculpture in Mexico City. Not long after starting her teaching activities, however, her health deteriorated, forcing her to continue classes at home. Eventually, only four dedicated students remained, calling themselves "Los Fridos" in token of their loyalty to Frida. In this painting, she painted herself surrounded by four monkeys, possibly symbolising these four students.
I create works with my heart, hands and a lot of love for colour. Each work tells its own story - sometimes joyful, sometimes hushed, always sincere... Read more…