The artwork “Tunas (Still Life with Prickly Pear Fruit)” was created by the renowned artist Frida Kahlo in 1938. Utilizing oil on masonite as the medium, Kahlo contributed to the Naïve Art movement, also known as Primitivism, with this piece. Characterized as a still life, the work exemplifies the themes and visual motifs Kahlo is acclaimed for.
In the artwork, Kahlo masterfully depicts a plate of prickly pear fruit, also known as “tunas” in Spanish. The plate sits centrally within the composition, its circular form a stark contrast to the rectilinear bounds of the masonite panel. Three pieces of fruit are portrayed in varying states: one is whole, with its yellow-green hue hinting at ripeness, while the other two are split open, revealing the deep red flesh inside. The cut fruits are remarkably textured, a testament to Kahlo’s attention to detail in illustrating the seeds and pulpy interior. The flesh appears succulent and vibrant against the creamy interior of the plate.
Beneath the plate, the tablecloth is rendered with folds and creases, suggesting a soft, fabric texture that contrasts the ruggedness of the fruit’s exterior. The background is a cool blue, possibly evoking the sky or a similarly expansive backdrop which allows the fruits and plate to be the central focus. Notably, smears of the fruit’s red juice are visible on the plate, lending an element of realism to the scene and symbolizing the fruit’s freshness and vitality. The overall effect is one that is rich with color and full of the simple, direct aesthetics associated with the Naïve Art movement.
