#SymbolismInArt

[arthistoriansdiary]

The Two Fridas

Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas (1939). Oil on canvas, 173.5 cm × 173 cm. Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City.

As an avid enthusiast of art history, Frida Kahlo has always held a special place in my heart. Her bold and deeply personal artworks have captivated me since I first encountered them, igniting my passion for studying art and its ability to convey raw emotion and profound truths. Among her many iconic paintings, The Two Fridas stands out as a powerful testament to Kahlo's resilience and her exploration of identity and emotion in the face of personal turmoil.

The Painting's Context: Completed in 1939, shortly after Kahlo's divorce from Diego Rivera, The Two Fridas is a poignant reflection of the artist's inner struggles and conflicting emotions during this tumultuous period of her life. The painting portrays two distinct versions of Kahlo, each representing different aspects of her personality and experiences.

The Duality of Identity: The two Fridas depicted in the painting symbolize the duality within Kahlo herself. On the left, we see the traditional Frida adorned in Tehuana clothing, a representation of her Mexican heritage and cultural identity. This Frida sits with a broken heart exposed, representing her vulnerability and emotional pain following her separation from Rivera. In contrast, the Frida on the right is depicted in modern attire, embodying her independence and strength as a woman.

Symbolism and Imagery: The imagery in The Two Fridas is rich with symbolism and metaphor. The visible hearts of both Fridas highlight their emotional turmoil, with the heart of the traditional Frida visibly cut and torn open, symbolizing her emotional wounds and vulnerability. The main artery, cut off by surgical pincers, further emphasizes the theme of heartbreak and the potential for emotional destruction. The vein winding around the two Fridas connects their hearts, underscoring their shared pain and emotional bond. Additionally, the miniature portrait of Diego Rivera held by the Frida on the right serves as a profound testament to the complexities of Kahlo's relationship with her husband. It encapsulates the tumultuous nature of their bond, portraying both love and pain intertwined.

The Power of Connection: Despite their differences, the two Fridas are depicted holding hands, symbolizing a connection between different aspects of Kahlo's identity. This gesture speaks to the artist's resilience and ability to find strength and solidarity within herself, even in moments of profound vulnerability and despair.

Conclusion: Frida Kahlo's The Two Fridas remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Through its powerful imagery and symbolism, the painting invites viewers to explore themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of human emotion. As a personal favourite of mine, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art to illuminate the depths of the human experience and inspire empathy, understanding, and connection.

Pondering The Two Fridas: How does Frida Kahlo's The Two Fridas resonate with your own experiences of duality and identity, and what emotions does it evoke in you when you examine its rich symbolism and imagery?

#FridaKahlo #TheTwoFridas #ArtHistory #SymbolismInArt #EmotionalExpression #FeministArt #IdentityInArt #MexicanArt #ArtisticExpression #ArtAnalysis #ArtBloggers

[bogdansavchenko]

The name "PROPAGANDA" A3 format, paper, ink, brush, pen.

Я почав працювати над цим твором у жовтні 2022 року, через півроку після повномасштабного вторгнення. У той час мій інформаційний простір був переповнений новинами про війну. Я стикався з пропагандою, навіть з боку ворога, і це було просто жахливо. Наповнена брехнею і ненавистю, я не можу зрозуміти, як люди в тій країні могли її слухати, тому що в той момент, коли я почав її чути, я відчув, як вона забруднює мою душу.

Дозвольте мені розповісти вам, як я підходжу до більшості своїх робіт. Я беру чистий аркуш паперу і починаю малювати випадкові лінії або плями з випадкового місця, а потім гармонійно поєдную їх у цілісну композицію. Іноді цим роботам бракує конкретних образів чи сюжетів, і все ж, часом, вони перетворюються на інтригуючі шедеври. Але для цього мені потрібно чимось надихатися. У той час мене надихали емоції, про які я згадував раніше. Але цього було недостатньо. Щоб створити графічний твір, який я відчував, я заглиблювався у свою підсвідомість, спрямовуючи накопичені емоції на папір через руку. Це не так просто, як здається. Я намагалася зосередитися на своїх відчуттях під час малювання, час від часу роблячи невеликі перерви в процесі.

Але я вважаю її закінченою приблизно у квітні 2023 року, коли я був змушений дати назву великій кількості своїх творінь. Раніше я дотримувався концепції залишати свої роботи без назв, дозволяючи глядачам інтерпретувати їх на власний розсуд. Однак, коли деякі з моїх робіт були відібрані для виставки кафедри дизайну Черкаського державного бізнес-коледжу, в якій я з гордістю беру участь, я переоцінив свій підхід. Влучна назва надавала роботі відчуття завершеності, допомагаючи глядачам зрозуміти основну ідею, яку я переживав під час їх створення. Коли робота не мала назви, люди часто відзначали її загадковість і моторошність, тоді як я відчував, що робота, хоч і здавалася простою, все одно несла в собі тривожну якість. Але як тільки вона отримували свою назву, все ставало на свої місця. Якщо хочете то можемо поговорити про те чи варто називати роботи? інші деталі в описі роботи.

I began working on this piece in October 2022, six months after the full-scale invasion. During that time, my information space was inundated with news of the war. I encountered propaganda, even from the enemy side, and it was simply horrifying. Filled with lies and hatred, I can't fathom how people in that country could listen to it, for the moment I started hearing it, I felt it polluting my soul.

Let me recount how I approach most of my works. I take a blank sheet of paper and start drawing random lines or spots from a random place, then harmoniously merge them into a coherent composition. Sometimes these works lack specific images or plots, and yet, at times, they turn into intriguing masterpieces. But to achieve that, I need to be inspired by something. During that time, I was inspired by those emotions I described earlier. Yet, that alone wasn't enough. To create a graphic work that felt like a protector, I delved into my subconscious, channeling accumulated emotions onto paper through my hand. It's not as simple as it seems. I endeavored to concentrate on my feelings while drawing, occasionally taking short breaks from the process.

By April 2023, I considered the artwork complete, as I was compelled to give names to a significant number of my creations. I had previously adhered to the concept of leaving my works untitled, allowing viewers to interpret them as they wished. However, when some of my works were selected for an exhibition by the Design Department of Cherkasy State Business College, in which I proudly participate, I reevaluated my approach. Apt titles seemed to bring a sense of completeness to the works, helping viewers grasp the underlying idea I experienced during their creation. When a work lacked a name, people often remarked on its enigmatic and eerie nature, while I sensed that the piece, though seemingly straightforward, still carried an unsettling quality. But once they received their titles, everything fell into place splendidly. If you want, we can talk about whether it's worth naming the work? other details in the job description.

#ArtReflectsRealit #PropagandaVsTruth #illustration #ink #art #graphics #ArtisticExpression #SymbolismInArt #WarAndPropaganda #CreativeExploration #VisualNarrative #InnerEmotions #SocialCommentary #ArtAndIdeology

[heidisieverding]

The pain of wrong metabolization Wall Object Ceramic, Polymer Clay, Fabric 25 X 10 x 10 cm #wallobject #lightobject #lightartinstallation #mixedmaterials #contemporarysculpture #contemporaryart #contemporaryartwork #newartwork #artcollectors #wallartwork #artshow #wandobjekt #lichtobject #zeitgenössischekunst #instaart #instaartist #artistoninstagram #artcritic #artoftheday #artgallery #artaccount #visualart #artist_features #artcurator #artgram #artistdrop #symbolisminart (hier: Oberschöneweide, Berlin, Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/Chz1KyUov1K/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#wallobject #lightobject #lightartinstallation #mixedmaterials #contemporarysculpture #contemporaryart #contemporaryartwork #newartwork #artcollectors #wallartwork #artshow #wandobjekt #lichtobject #zeitgenössischekunst #instaart #instaartist #artistoninstagram #artcritic #artoftheday #artgallery #artaccount #visualart #artist_features #artcurator #artgram #artistdrop #symbolisminart

[davidwfloydart]

The stag symbolizes intuition, sensitivity, protection, power, and gentleness. They bring harmony, balance, peace and longevity 🦌 #symbolism #symbolisminart #balance #peaceofmind #harmonylife #protectionspell #selfprotection #stag (at Lower Haight) https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2J1LlhBx3bTdsxQVGh5JzfE9woQC10suWdr40/?igshid=a51byo4zkitz

#symbolism #symbolisminart #balance #peaceofmind #harmonylife #protectionspell #selfprotection #stag

[stacytompkins]

This piece is a #Memento to family. The #sculpture is composed of a large piece of metal drip my father brought me years ago from a large job. Hanging from the tips of slag are three vials, each containing remains of a loved one: 1) ashes of our dog Nona, 2) some of my mother's hair, and 3) ashes of our dog Toro. Atop is a cardinal nest from the family that raised their chick next to our front door. We were blessed to be able to watch every step of the rearing up close and the family still lives in our back yard, rearing young in their second nest of the season. Inside the nest are dried pomegranates, a symbol of fertility, blood, and death. I mounted all of these items to a log of birch, which is itself a symbol of new beginnings, stability, and structure. .......................................................................... #sculptures #art #artwork #visualart #visualarts #miamiart #dallasart #dentonart #galleryart #mementomori #natureart #foundobjects #macabreart #macabrearts #mixedmediaart #visualsymbols #symbolisminart (at Denton, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCjQp_aFNHj/?igshid=mosx8u784i9s

#memento #sculpture #sculptures #art #artwork #visualart #visualarts #miamiart #dallasart #dentonart #galleryart #mementomori #natureart #foundobjects #macabreart #macabrearts #mixedmediaart #visualsymbols #symbolisminart

[marcelhelmar]

"Djinn Summoning Ritual" By: Marcel Helmar #jinn #djinn #djinns #genie #demons #angels #symbolism #art #artist #artsymbolism #symbolisminart https://www.instagram.com/p/B6-0Ka4H8TD/?igshid=essyomuurc2m

#jinn #djinn #djinns #genie #demons #angels #symbolism #art #artist #artsymbolism #symbolisminart

[rafeny]

#canitellyou everything means something. / 👁👁 . . . . . #Filipinoartists #kawayandeguia #nonagarcia @pinto.art @lucaparolari #contemporaryfilipinoart #everythinghasameaning #symbolisminart (at The East Village) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3t7LunpZN6/?igshid=1g3xk1e2dxr03

#canitellyou #filipinoartists #kawayandeguia #nonagarcia #contemporaryfilipinoart #everythinghasameaning #symbolisminart

[labrujamusa]

"when reality is too much, it's time to stop playing the game" -@jackie_g12 ❤thank you for the caption!❤ . . . #artistsoninstagram #art #drawing #traditionalart #traditionalartcolor #coloredpencils #pendrawing #pen #symbolisminart #symbolism #girl #woman https://www.instagram.com/p/BgLARNJnNeg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=e5tpk3xk1qef

#artistsoninstagram #art #drawing #traditionalart #traditionalartcolor #coloredpencils #pendrawing #pen #symbolisminart #symbolism #girl #woman

[ila-and-alice]

My to-do list is packed full of symbolism to help keep me motivated and to help me face my fears of putting more of myself out there. This way when I look at I find support and I’m also organized 🤩📝 #trustyourintuition #todolists #organizingmystuff #symbolisminart #animalguides #symbolicart #symbolicanimals #pictureswithmeaning #symbolismart #plannerpage #motivationalthoughts #collagework #todolistcomplete #motivation101

#animalguides #plannerpage #todolists #motivationalthoughts #collagework #pictureswithmeaning #symbolismart #symbolisminart #todolistcomplete #symbolicanimals #organizingmystuff #symbolicart #motivation101 #trustyourintuition

[sandeejohnsonart-blog]

Acrylic mixed media abstraction on board #mixedmedia #mixedmediaart #mixedmediaartist #mixedmediacollage #abstraction #abstractpainting #abstractexpressionism #abstractart #collages #collageart #contemporaryart #contemporaryart #artcollector #artgallery #symbols #symbolisminart #asheville #ashevillefolk #ashevilleartist #texture (at Asheville, North Carolina)

#mixedmediaartist #mixedmediaart #symbols #symbolisminart #artcollector #texture #abstractexpressionism #contemporaryart #mixedmedia #mixedmediacollage #collageart #collages #asheville #abstraction #abstractpainting #abstractart #ashevillefolk #ashevilleartist #artgallery

[arthistoriansdiary]

The Progress of Love: The Meeting

Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Progress of Love: The Meeting (1771 - 1773). Oil on canvas, 317.5 x 243.8 cm. THE FRICK COLLECTION.

Jean-Honoré Fragonard's The Progress of Love: The Meeting, painted between 1771 and 1773, is a captivating portrayal of a clandestine encounter, capturing the essence of love in its most intimate and secretive form. This analysis delves into the rich history and intricate symbolism of the painting, shedding light on its significance within the context of both art history and the tumultuous era of Louis XV.

A Glimpse into the Realm of Love: Fragonard's painting is part of a larger series commissioned by the Comtesse du Barry, the last mistress of Louis XV, for a pleasure pavilion designed by architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux. The series, known as The Progress of Love, traces the evolution of romantic relationships through four distinct stages: from flirtation and courtship to consummation and finally to the serene bliss of lasting love. The Meeting represents the second stage, depicting a furtive rendezvous between lovers amidst the lush foliage of a garden.

Intrigue and Intimacy: The painting exudes an aura of secrecy and intimacy, as the lovers steal a moment away from prying eyes. The male figure, dressed in a distinctive red coat, scales the garden wall with agility and determination, his gaze fixed on his beloved waiting below. The female figure, bathed in soft light, reaches out to him with longing, her expression a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The composition brims with tension and emotion, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the clandestine romance unfolding before them.

A Story of Rejection and Redemption: Despite the exquisite beauty and emotional depth of Fragonard's masterpiece, the Comtesse du Barry ultimately rejected the series, perhaps due to perceived resemblances between the red-coated lover and Louis XV or the paintings' departure from the neoclassical aesthetic favoured by Ledoux. Yet, this rejection did not diminish the significance of Fragonard's work. After two decades in the artist's possession, the series found a new home in a cousin's villa in southern France before eventually passing through the hands of notable collectors like J. P. Morgan and ultimately landing in the esteemed Frick Collection in 1915.

Unlocking the Symbolism: The Meeting is more than just a depiction of a romantic encounter; it is a tableau rich in symbolism and allegory. The garden setting, with its lush greenery and blooming flowers, symbolizes fertility and growth, while the clandestine nature of the meeting speaks to the forbidden nature of the lovers' relationship. The figures themselves embody the timeless themes of desire, longing, and the pursuit of true love, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of romance and passion.

Decoding Desire: Unraveling Fragonard's Intriguing Emotions In Fragonard's "The Progress of Love: The Meeting," what subtle details and emotions do you think the artist intended to convey, and how do these elements contribute to the overall narrative of the painting?

#Fragonard #TheProgressOfLove #TheMeeting #ArtHistory #18thCenturyArt #FrenchArt #LoveInTheArts #RomanticEncounter #SymbolismInArt #EmotionalExpression #ArtAnalysis #BaroquePainting #ArtisticIntrigue #VisualNarratives #ArtBloggers

[piiiirin]

"I've been thinking too much...help me" #gold #art #aesthetic #aesthetictumblr #symbolism #symbolisminart #symmetry #thoughts #moodalways

#symbolism #symbolisminart #thoughts #gold #moodalways #symmetry #aesthetic #aesthetictumblr #art

[heidisieverding]

Rod of Asclepius 3/2022 65x46x8 cm Plywood, silver foil, foam, led tape, pvc, silicone, lightweight board, silk clay, oil pastels, acrylic spray paint #wallobject #lightobject #lightartinstallation #mixedmaterials #contemporarysculpture #contemporaryart #contemporaryartwork #newartwork #artcollectors #wallartwork #artshow #wandobjekt #lichtobject #zeitgenössischekunst #instaart #instaartist #artistoninstagram #artcritic #artoftheday #artgallery #artaccount #visualart #artcurator #artistdrop #sieverding #symbolisminart #asclepius #mythologicart #archetyp (hier: Oberschöneweide, Berlin, Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/CasYJN4sS1j/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#wallobject #lightobject #lightartinstallation #mixedmaterials #contemporarysculpture #contemporaryart #contemporaryartwork #newartwork #artcollectors #wallartwork #artshow #wandobjekt #lichtobject #zeitgenössischekunst #instaart #instaartist #artistoninstagram #artcritic #artoftheday #artgallery #artaccount #visualart #artcurator #artistdrop #sieverding #symbolisminart #asclepius #mythologicart #archetyp

[labrujamusa]

🚬t o x i n s🚬 . . . #artistsoninstagram #art #drawing #traditionalart #coloredpencil #coloredpencils #traditionalartcolor #colors #toxic #symbolism #symbolisminart https://www.instagram.com/p/BgH552uHtIH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1glpoktpxr69m

#artistsoninstagram #art #drawing #traditionalart #coloredpencil #coloredpencils #traditionalartcolor #colors #toxic #symbolism #symbolisminart