Art Analysis: The Little Deer By Fridah Kahlo

I chose to analyze a painting done by Fridah Kahlo in 1946. She titled it “The Little Deer” (Kahlo). It depicts a deer jumping through a forest. The deer has the distinctive human face that Kahlo uses in many of her self-portraits. In addition, there are several arrows sticking out of the deer’s back, which are bleeding. We can see through the trees in the background to the ocean, where though it appears to be a bright day, there is a lightning storm. The tone at first glance seems hopeful as the deer leaps, but on second observation we see the arrows and lightening, and tone becomes more serious, and we worry if the deer will be able to complete her leap. I chose to analyze this piece because it reflects the struggles of women, especially those of a certain class, and really stuck out to me as a piece that deserves some deeper thought. Though we did not discuss this piece in class, I still noticed issues of female struggle and oppression, which is one of the main reasons I would consider this a feminist piece. I believe by putting a female face as the head of the deer, Kahlo is trying to speak to women, especially women of her class and background, and I think this intended message is what makes the art feminist art. Also, the way Kahlo uses her own experience and struggles as a woman to fuel her art, adds to the pieces beauty, and also reinforces this feminist ideal. As Joanna Frueh suggests in her …show more content…
This graphic novel depicts Marjane growing up a girl amongst a somewhat oppressive and politically volatile Iran. As Marjane attempts to be a carefree girl growing up and experimenting with clothes and music, she is constantly restricted and warned against acting like a free woman. This reminded me of Kahlo’s leaping deer, as it is desperately trying to act freely despite the arrows in its