Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving / Nickolas Muray: Frida on Bench
Discussion Questions
What stands out as you compare Kahlo’s self-portrait “Appearances Can Be Deceiving” with the portrait of her by Nikolas Murray?
How do these images shape how you think about the relationship between disability, identity, and self-representation? How might these images shape how you understand yourself, your loved ones, or patients?
Reflections from #MedHumChat
“It is almost as if (long before social media) she mastered the concept of self-representation... controlling the image and shifting the narrative as necessary.” —@RanaAwdish
“The public image vs the private. But more disturbing is the insistence of a public nicety when in reality, the personal experience is so different.” —@LReedsbooks
“Frida Kahlo was so strong but so incredibly vulnerable. She presents such a powerful gaze at the viewer in her portrait, but in her depiction of herself, she wants the viewer to be aware of all the things she takes with her daily to have this strength.” —@rayesenbran
“Her stance and some of the shadowing of her dress reminded me of a soldier wearing armor. This made me consider armor both as a means of protection and as a holder of internal conflict and pain. Her fierce gaze, softer on the right. She sees herself as a warrior.” —@alessacolaMD
About this #MedHumChat
“Appearances Can Be Deceiving” along with “The Broken Column” and “Self-Portrait with the Portrait of Dr. Farill” were part of a #MedHumChat discussion February 19, 2020 exploring Disability, Identity, & Self-Representation.
We were honored to be joined by special guest Dr. Rana Awdish for this discussion. Rana Awdish, MD, FCCP is the author of In Shock, a critically-acclaimed, bestselling memoir based on her own illness.
The pieces for this chat along with the discussion questions were selected by Rana Awdish and Colleen Farrell.
About the Artist
Frida Kahlo (1907 - 1954) was a Mexican painter whose style was influenced by indigenous cultures of Mexico as well as by European influences that include Realism, Symbolism, and Surrealism. Many of her works are self-portraits that symbolically express her own pain and sexuality.