The artwork “Still Life with Parrot and Flag” is an oil on canvas painting by Frida Kahlo, created in 1951. This still life falls within the Naïve Art movement, specifically Primitivism, and measures 25.4 x 29.7 cm. The painting is composed of a vibrant arrangement of fruits, a parrot, and a flag, which cumulatively contribute to the genre of still life that the painting exemplifies.
This painting showcases a rich array of fruits spread across the composition, depicted with a raw and expressive technique characteristic of Kahlo’s work. The center is dominated by a large, split open fruit revealing its fleshy interior surrounded by various other tropical fruits of different shapes and sizes. Their colors are saturated, lending an intense and vivid quality to the artwork. A parrot is positioned to the right, its gaze directed outward, creating a focal point that animates the scene. The bird’s green and yellow plumage echoes the colors of the fruits, harmonizing with the overall palette.
A notable inclusion in the composition is a small flag, which suggests a connection to national identity or political context, a theme often reflected in Kahlo’s work. This element of symbolism invites viewers to contemplate potential narratives or meanings beyond the painting’s surface. The textural quality of the paint application is evident, revealing Kahlo’s distinctive brushwork that adds depth and dimensionality to the still life. Overall, the artwork is a vivid, intimate portrayal of organic subject matter, rendered with a sense of personal and cultural significance.
