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FIGURE 7a is a self-portrait by the artist Frida Kahlo - NSC Visual Arts - Question 7 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 7
FIGURE 7a is a self-portrait by the artist Frida Kahlo. The Mexican artist's personal life and history is directly portrayed in her art. Her work bears harrowing wit... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:FIGURE 7a is a self-portrait by the artist Frida Kahlo - NSC Visual Arts - Question 7 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Use of title
Answer
Frida Kahlo's title 'The Broken Column' reflects personal vulnerability and the fragility of the female body, symbolizing her physical pain and emotional turmoil. Nandipha Mntambo's 'Emabutfo', meaning 'the remains', suggests a critique of beauty standards and challenges traditional representations of femininity, particularly addressing the concept of hair and its meanings.
Step 2
Subject matter
Answer
Kahlo's work explores themes of suffering and identity through her own life experiences, depicted through a direct representation of her injuries and psychological state. In contrast, Mntambo focuses on the female body and identity politics, presenting a narrative that juxtaposes beauty and repulsion to examine how societal views influence the perception of women.
Step 3
Composition
Answer
Kahlo's composition employs a stark focus on her fragmented body, drawing the viewer's eye to her injuries and the emotional impact of her work. Mntambo, however, uses a more abstract and fluid composition that conveys the multiplicity of identity, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of representation in both beauty and body.
Step 4
Style and approach
Answer
Kahlo’s style incorporates surrealist elements, blending personal narrative with symbolic imagery, which creates a visceral experience for the audience. Mntambo adopts a contemporary approach, utilizing materials like cowhide to confront and challenge traditional aesthetics of femininity, working to reveal deeper truths about representation and identity.