Me and My Parrot, 1941 by Frida Kahlo

Me and My Parrot, 1941 by Frida Kahlo
Me and My Parrot, 1941 by Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo remarried to Diego Rivera in December of 1940 after they separated for a few years. After this Frida's life seems to be settled down to some extent of calmer routine. They remained to live separably through even they have married again. Frida still lives with her animals, dolls, and flowers in the countryside that she is interested in. They are still the main part of her life.

The rigidity of Me and My Parrot is broken by details within the work. The parrots bring depth, the intricate detailing of their feathers providing a subtle contrast to the smooth simplicity of Frida's appearance. The ruffled, protective parrots enhance the sensual tactility of the work, the calm simplicity of Kahlo's mien magnified against them.

Photo of Frida, Muray with 'Me and My Parrot'
Photo of Frida, Muray with 'Me and My Parrot'

Frida drew many self-portraits with her pets and this is one of those and she included her parrots in this painting. When this portrait was painted she was just remarried with Diego but was having a love affair with Nickolas Muray, who helped Frida with her first exhibition in New York in 1938 and was a successful portrait photographer. They met in Mexico at that time.