Nature morte au perroquet Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)

This painting, Nature morte au perroquet (Still Life with Parrot) by Frida Kahlo, is a vibrant and rich composition that focuses on a collection of fruits, some whole and some cut, arranged on a textured, sandy surface. Dominating the scene is a large, thick slice of watermelon, its bright red pulp dotted with black seeds, centrally placed and leaning forward.

Perched atop the watermelon slice is a green parrot, its gaze directed towards the viewer with a bright, inquisitive eye. The parrot is an element that immediately draws attention and suggests a departure from a purely conventional still life.

Surrounding the watermelon are various fruits. To the left, a dark, spiky fruit, likely a prickly pear (nopal), adds a textural contrast. In front of the watermelon and slightly to the right, a cut orange, revealing its juicy segments and pith, is a prominent feature. Other round fruits, possibly oranges or grapefruits, are scattered around, some whole and others partially obscured. Theres also a mango, its smooth, orange-red skin a warm counterpoint to the other fruits. Smaller, less identifiable fruits and a deep purple plum-like fruit complete the arrangement.

The background is a striking, solid blue, which serves to make the colorful fruits and the parrot pop with intensity. The overall impression is one of abundance and the rich, sensory experience of tropical fruits.

Subtexts:

Frida Kahlos still-life paintings often carry deeper meanings beyond their surface appearance, and Nature morte au perroquet is no exception.

• Symbolism of Fruits: Fruits, particularly in Mexican culture, can symbolize fertility, abundance, and even sensuality. The variety and ripeness of the fruits suggest natures bounty and perhaps a celebration of life and its pleasures.
• The Parrot: Parrots are common motifs in Frida Kahlos work. They can represent several things:
  • Mexican Identity: Parrots are native to Mexico, and their inclusion can be seen as a nod to her Mexican heritage and culture.
  • Companionship and Intelligence: Parrots are known for their ability to mimic and are often seen as intelligent companions. In Kahlos life and art, animals sometimes served as a form of solace and connection, especially during her periods of physical pain and isolation.
  • Voyeurism or Witness: The parrots direct gaze could be interpreted as a symbolic witness to the scene, or perhaps even to the viewer, adding a layer of introspection to the work.
  • Exoticism: The parrot also contributes to the exotic and tropical feel of the composition.
• Sensuality and Physicality: The juicy, exposed flesh of the watermelon and the cut orange can be interpreted as having sensual undertones, perhaps hinting at the body and its desires. Given Kahlos own struggles with her body and its physicality, this is a recurring theme in her art.
• Natures Cycles: The variety of fruits, some whole and some cut, might also allude to the cycles of growth, decay, and renewal in nature.
• Quietude and Reflection: Despite the vibrant colors, the still-life format lends itself to a sense of quiet contemplation. The arrangement itself, while lush, is also carefully composed, suggesting deliberate observation and an engagement with the natural world.

In essence, Nature morte au perroquet is more than just a depiction of fruit; its a rich tapestry of natural beauty interwoven with personal and cultural symbolism, characteristic of Frida Kahlos unique artistic voice.