(1) During summer 2019, I took a vacation with my family to Isla Mujeres Mexico the entire trip I was fascinated with the bright colors and architecture of the homes and buildings as well as the mural

(1)

During summer 2019, I took a vacation with my family to Isla Mujeres Mexico the entire trip I was fascinated with the bright colors and architecture of the homes and buildings as well as the murals that covered the walls and I took many pictures to remember the experience. This was the first time I appreciated the design of what seemed to be everyday buildings on this island.

(2)

When being first asked about an art experience, I thought of many that I adored but the one I most wanted to write about an oil painting by Frida Kahlo known as is Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird. In the painting from 1940, one can see Frida is the focal point and she uses space to achieve that by placing her in the middle and large in comparison to the other elements. The piece also focuses on life and death, above she adds beautiful butterflies that have universal symbolism of rebirth and hope. While in the bottom of the picture there is a lot of darkness from the animal’s colors, to the dead bird, and thorns around her neck. When looking at the context of this painting, you find that it connects to many of her pieces including this one. Frida had a very tough life that included infidelity in her relationships, struggling with illnesses, she also had a horrible car accident that led her to have a lot of pain in her body throughout her life. What I think Frida was trying to tell through her painting was that she was suffering so much but still was trying to be hopeful. Frida Kahlo is truly an astonishing example showing how someone can be battling horrible situations throughout their lives, overcome them, and turn it into something beautiful like her art.

IN 3-4 LINES, RESPOND TO THIS TWO DISCUSSION BOARD