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Symbolic Self-Portrait

Featuring Frida Kahlo's Self-Portrait with Monkey, 1938

Frida Kahlo (Mexican, 1907–1954). Self-Portrait with Monkey, 1938. Oil on Masonite, 16 x 12 inches (40.6 x. 30.5 cm). Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York; Bequest of A. Conger Goodyear, 1966 (1966:9.10). © Banco de México Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums Trust, Mexico, D.F. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Lesson Plan Details

  • Type:

    Collection

  • Grade Levels:

    Grades K–5, Grades 6–8, Grades 9–12

  • Project Type:

    Traditional 2D

  • Art Movement:

    Personal Narrative, Dada

  • Art Content:

    Cross-curricular Connections, Identity, Meaningful Making

  • Geographic Location:

    South America

  • Learning Standards:

    College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Language, College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Speaking and Listening, College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing, New York State Standards for the Arts

  • Interdiscplinary Connections:

    Social Studies, Visual Arts

Conceptual Basis

Frida Kahlo was largely known for her symbolic self-portraits reflecting her life, loves, joys, and sorrows. Influenced by her Mexican culture, Kahlo uses vibrant color and meaningful imagery to portray her self-identity to the viewer. In this lesson, students will make connections to the artist while creating a self-portrait celebrating their own self-identity.

View and Download Lesson Plan (PDF)

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