The artwork entitled “Living Nature” was created by artist Frida Kahlo in 1952. It is an oil painting on canvas which adheres to the Naïve Art movement, often associated with Primitivism, and is categorized under the still life genre. The dimensions of the artwork are 44 cm by 59.7 cm. This work forms part of the Maria Felix Collection located in Mexico City, Mexico.
“Living Nature” presents an assemblage of vividly colored, tropical fruits, a staple element in Kahlo’s artistic palette, capturing the rich biodiversity of her Mexican heritage. Amongst the assortment of fruits, there is also the figure of a white dove, imbued with symbolic significance, which in many cultures often represents peace. The fruits are depicted with attention to textual detail, yet the overall style exudes a simplicity characteristic of the Naïve or Primitivism movements. Contrasting colors create a vibrant composition, while the presence of two celestial bodies, possibly the sun and the moon, in the backdrop, suggests a cosmic connection and adds to the depth of the composition. The bold script at the bottom edge of the painting spells out “NATURALEZA VIVA,” the Spanish phrase which translates to “Living Nature” in English, reinforcing the title and theme of the artwork.
