The artwork “Self Portrait – Time Flies” is a creation of Frida Kahlo from the year 1929. It is a self-portrait executed using oil on masonite, measuring 77.5 by 61 centimeters. The piece is often associated with the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, highlighting the straightforward and unsophisticated visual narrative that the artist conveys through the painting.
In this artwork, Kahlo presents herself in a direct and austere manner. Set against a dark backdrop, the portrait focuses on her face, characterized by a forthright gaze that engages the viewer. Her expression is solemn, and her eyebrows are notably thick and joined, a trademark feature in many of her self-portraits. She dons traditional Mexican attire complemented by prominent earrings and a necklace, which indicate her personal style and her connection to Mexican culture.
Two items of particular interest in the portrait are the airplane and the antique clock, positioned above her head and to the right, respectively. The airplane, sharply crossed by what seems to be a hair accessory, could symbolize the modernity of the era or perhaps reflect on personal aspects of the artist’s life. The old-fashioned clock could be interpreted as a reference to the passage of time, an ever-present theme in human existence, suggesting a sense of temporality and possibly personal reflections on her own life experiences. The inclusion of such objects along with the intense, almost confrontational, character of her gaze, imbues the work with layers of meaning that prompt viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity, time, and existence.
