The artworks and artists that I have chosen to compare and contrast are ‘Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird’ by Frida Kahlo and ‘Golden Tears’ by Gustav Klimt. While they share similarities, there are many contrasts between the two. The similarities and differences involve the artist’s background, influences, technique, theme, and the elements/principles of design.
Both artists are known as one of the greatest artists in their culture. For example, Kahlo was the greatest in Mexico and Klimt was the greatest in Austria. Painting revealed bodies was a common concept for both artists. Kahlo was not just a painter and a revolutionary, but also a rebel, feminist, and hero. They both have an impact on this world. For Kahlo, this is proven because she was a member of the Mexican Communist Party. She was in a bus accident when she was 18 and during this time she found her passion, painting. She fits my definition of a hero because she has made an impact on Mexican art and has influenced others to follow their love of art. On the other hand, Klimt studied the female body. The nudes he painted turned out too realistic, intimate, and outrageous for his time. What’s remarkable about Klimt, is that he created a visual dialogue with his sitter in an attempt to understand female sexuality. Nevertheless, through his work, he is suggesting the process of human reproduction and development in a naturalistic, evolutionary light. That’s why, he wasn’t just a painter or a decorator, but also an innovative thinker of the past century.
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Kahlo and Klimt had different intentions, passions, and backgrounds before becoming remarkable. Kahlo was interested in medicine before experiencing a severe accident that caused her to not walk for a long period and find a different interest. In comparison, Klimt started his career as a painter earlier than Kahlo because painting was an interest to him from a very young age. Additionally, Klimt has not experienced long life battles and pain as much as Kahlo did and has been through many affairs, therefore, was never married.
In addition to similarities in the artists’ history, there are similarities in their artwork as well. Both pieces of work are portraits of women displaying the way they endure their pain through their facial expressions. This is shown by the drips of blood dripping down Kahlo’s neck and the golden tears flowing down Freya’s cheeks. Both women also appear to be trapped and oppressed by the color black. Kahlo is weighed down by a thorn necklet that is tightened by a black monkey, representing her husband. Similarly, Freya is in the dark
with a black background. As a beholder, I can see that both paintings show a glimpse of hope for the women despite their hardships in life. Kahlo’s painting includes butterflies and dragonflies hovering above her head which represents beauty and freedom. Additionally, a clear blue sky is shown in the negative space representing clarity despite the clutter shown in the background. Freya is slightly smiling through her dark-colored lips although the tears are falling. She does not appear to be fully engulfed in the darkness which is depicted by her pale skin, bright complexion against the negative space, and her golden tears and hair.
Although both art pieces have many elements in common, there are much more differences between them. While both paintings illustrate women going through pain, they express it differently. Kahlo appears to be standing strong, keeping her composure as shown by her direct eye contact and stern face. In contrast, Freya is shown half-faced with her smudged eyes closed. She does not appear to be as brave as Kahlo because she looks like she is hiding in her sorrow. The balance of the paintings differs from one another as well. Kahlo’s is arranged symmetrically based on the arrangement of the mammals on both sides of her shoulder and the hummingbird painted at the center of her chest. However, Klimt’s is arranged asymmetrically because his muse is incomplete, and off-center, and the focal point is on her left eye. This implies that she is emotionally imbalanced, as opposed to Kahlo, who is centered within the painting and faces the viewer confidently.
Conclusion of my research
I enjoyed learning about Kahlo’s autobiography and works. She always approached consequences with a sense of pride, strength, and dignity. I believe ‘Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird’ depicts aspects of her spirit, Western civilization, and Christianity. Her painting symbolizes a bittersweet celebration of hope. It presents to me Kahlo in her most vulnerable state, devastated by all the difficulties life has thrown at her feet. Yet, she stays true to herself and does not show a single sign of giving up on the fight for a better tomorrow. The elements of the picture represent personal ideas and a wide range of technical and contextual techniques to create a beautifully crafted work of art. There are many different interpretations of different parts of the painting, and I have brought some of these ideas together to create my interpretation. Until this very day, Klimt is still remembered as one of the greatest decorative painters of the 20th century, while also producing one of the century's most significant bodies of erotic artworks. After researching Klimt and analyzing his painting after the plenty of sources I used, I discovered that he expresses his interests and passions through his meaningful artworks that one should analyze and look closely at to understand his purpose. I find that unique and causes many observers to dig into their research.
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