Kahlo Visual Elements

Question 1

Colour

Answer 1

The background is mostly cool colours, whereas the figure is mostly warm with pink cheeks and lips. The use of contrasting warm and cool colours separates the figure from the environment.

Kahlo contrasts by using white on her shirt to further link her to the idea of her being Jesus and black on the animals as they represent devils or demons.

Question 2

Texture

Answer 2

The use of smooth blending has created a glossy shiny appearance in the leaves.

Short sharp linear brush strokes have created a realistic furry texture within the animals

Question 3

Tone

Answer 3

Well blended colour tone gives realistic finish to the painting this can be seen in the subtle shifts between white and grey in creases of shirt.

Around her jawline she has used tone to create strong contrast which helps create the illusion of depth.

The use of tonal highlights in the leaves help them to look glossy and also give them a natural curve form.

Question 4

Shape

Answer 4

The necklace of thorns around her neck features triangles which helps lead the viewers eye up towards kahlos face. The humming bird also takes triangular form and points upwards like an arrow.

A rounded arched shape is repeated throughout the composition. It’s seen on the wings of the hummingbird, the eyebrows, the moustache, the shapes on the leaves etc. This creates a strong pattern and has been used to tie all the elements of the painting together

Question 5

Line

Answer 5

Fine precision lines have been painted in the hair of the animals and her head to create a realistic texture.

The thorn necklace creates a series of leading lines towards the deadened expression in the face. This helps us recognise the face as the focal point.

Kahlo used very fine precision lines in the spines and details of the leaves, this gives the leaves an interesting pattern and helps create a busy background.

An exaggerated long neck creates a long line from shoulders to head and emphasises the cuts on the neck.

Question 6

Consideration of mood & atmosphere

Answer 6

Due to the necklace of the thorns that is cutting her skin and the dead hummingbird hanging from it there is a sense of shock and grief in the painting.

The symbolic car crouching behind her and the evil spider monkey create a slightly dark and sinister atmosphere.

There is an uneasy atmosphere created through kahlos emotionless gaze. Her steady gaze both stares at you and through you which creates an uncomfortable atmosphere.