Self-Portrait Assignment

The Two Fridas (Links to an external site.)

by Frida Khalo

oil on canvas
5′ 8″ x 5′ 8″
c.1939

Look at this painting (Links to an external site.) by Frida Khalo.

In it, Khalo has painted herself twice.

Some interpret this image as showing her 2 identities; European and Mestizo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mestizo (Links to an external site.)because of her clothing in the 2 images.

Other interpretations focus on the her depiction of her heart in both versions, the blood, and the small photo of her ex-husband she holds in one hand.

Either way, the image is full of symbols that tell us part of the story of Khalo’s life and how she sees herself.

For your CREATE assignment, you will also create a dual “selfie” where you visually identify two of your identities (roles) and their relationship to each other.

Think about how you will portray your identities (roles) visually.

Think about the relationship between your two identities. How will you show that connection between the two photos? How will the two photos balance one another?

As with any “selfies”, you will want to take multiple shots until you get the ones with the desired effects. Be creative! I’m looking for your expression, but NO FILTERS!

Be sure your selfies meet the following requirements:

1. minimum of two props in each photograph
2. wardrobe must differ in each photograph
3. background and/or location must differ in each photograph
4. something must visually connect the two images (think of the vein that connects the 2 Fridas, for example)
5.photographs must be taken specifically (previously taken selfies don’t fulfill the requirement)

NOTE:
Include the following written explanation with the photos of your dual Self-Portrait in your Word Document or PDF.

Your explanation (minimum of one page, maximum of two pages) must be typed and double-spaced with margins no larger than one inch and font size no larger than 12-point (no headers).

The essay must have an introduction, body (one or more), and concluding paragraphs. The body of the essay should focus on:

explanation of each of your dual identities (subject matter)
explanation of the relationship between the identities
discussion of the process of creating the photographs
explanation of how you attempted to visually connect the 2 images (describe the elements and principles of art most apparent in your artwork, its line, shape, space, color, value, texture and/or balance, harmony/variety, focal point, etc.)