Self-Portrait On The Border Between Mexico And The United States

The painting “Self-Portrait on the Border Between Mexico and the United States” by Frida Kahlo represents the sharp contrasts of two neighboring countries. The painting is about a growing industrial United States with the contrast of the falling of Mexico. She paints herself in a pink dress on top of a pedestal in between the countries. The impression on the painting is that the painter is unwelcoming with the new changes. She is Mexican; therefore, her heritage can be seen by the flag. Her roots from the produced are getting entwined with the technology. The skyscrapers and factories represent United States. The fallen Mayan or Aztec temple could show the rebuilding or destruction that the United States have caused. The Mexicans focused their lives on produce which can be seen at her feet. The idols show the Mexican religion. She …show more content…
She is a Mexican who is defiant of the changes occurring. In her right hand is the Mexican flag and in the other is a cigarette as to say she is not going to give up her heritage. She is torn apart from the two countries because America is growing while Mexico is falling apart. There are skyscrapers and factories in America while there is rubble in Mexico. The sun is showing wrath upon Mexico and the moon showing the depression of the people at night. She resents America because she feels cause of their growth they have cursed Mexico.
Some elements of surrealism that indicate a dream are the skyscrapers and factories right next to each other. Another example, the flag in the factory-made clouds to show the United States does not care about their gods to block out the son. The Mayan temple and rubble are next to the border which may indicate the United States destroyed it. Igneous factors would include the idols the people of Mexico would worship and the produce. Additionally, the Mayan or Aztec temple where they made sacrifices to the sun and moon which they believed were