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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
7.1 Use of title
Answer
The title of Frida Kahlo's work, 'The Broken Column', alludes to her physical suffering and struggles with her identity as it reflects her broken body. In contrast, Nandipha Mntambo's title 'Emabutho' suggests a connection to the historical struggles faced by women, specifically the visual representation of the female form in a post-colonial context. Both titles serve to enhance the narrative of gender identity and the societal constructs surrounding femininity.
Step 2
7.1 Subject matter
Answer
Kahlo's self-portrait focuses on her physical deformity, represented by the broken column, emphasizing her anguish, while Mntambo engages with the fluidity and hybrid nature of femininity through her sculptures portraying women as both alluring and repulsive. Kahlo's work represents personal pain while Mntambo addresses broader cultural implications of femininity.
Step 3
7.1 Composition
Answer
Kahlo employs a stark, detailed, and confrontational style, drawing viewers into her emotional suffering through the use of vibrant colors juxtaposed with grotesque elements. Mntambo's compositions utilize the contrast of empty space and full forms to explore themes of beauty and identity, with the physicality of her materials enhancing the viewer's experience of the female body.
Step 4
7.1 Style and approach
Answer
Kahlo's surrealist style incorporates symbolism and personal narrative, creating an intimate connection between the artwork and the viewer. Mntambo, on the other hand, adopts a more contemporary approach, utilizing materials like cowhide to challenge perceptions of beauty and femininity, creating a dialogue about body politics and representation.
Step 5
7.2 Discussion of TWO artists
Answer
In my essay, I will explore the works of Marina Abramović and Tracey Emin, both of whom challenge conventional ideas of gender identity through provocative performances and installations. Emin's 'My Bed' confronts the viewer with personal revelations about her identity and experiences, while Abramović’s endurance performances question the boundaries of gender through physical and emotional presence. Their distinct techniques illustrate the complexities surrounding gender identity in contemporary art.