Frida Kahlo: The Broken Column
Discussion Questions
What is your reaction to the medical version of Kahlo’s “broken column” compared with her own representation of herself? What does her self portrait “The Broken Column” communicate?
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
“I'm fascinated by how we integrate our pain into our sense of ourselves and how difficult it can be to extricate ourselves from that narrative at times.” —@RanaAwdish
“Seeing her xray gave me so much pause. How many xrays and CT scans have I seen so objectively, not really thinking about the person? It made me wonder how my patients would depict themselves.” —@colleenmfarrell
“I think linking the X-ray is almost meant to “prove” the reality of her experienced pain, which for so many people isn’t believed—particularly women and PARTICULARLY people of color.” —@MGraceOliver
“The medical representation is so decontextualized, devoid of colour, and even abstract. It's a verisimilitude that is meaningless to the patient, whereas the portrait tells her truth.” —@LanceShaver
“They seem to say the same thing to me. A spine/a woman- strong in managing ways, but often in need of external supports to remain standing. May be to help fix something that’s broken, or to add extra reinforcement.” —@InduPartha
About this #MedHumChat
“The Broken Column” along with “Appearances Can Be Deceiving” 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.