Frida Kahlo - Art as Personal Narrative

Activator: Begin with a slideshow review of Frida’s symbolic self-portraits with student-led discussion on how each tells a story (File available for download, see below). Prompt students to respond to the questions in the slide presentation as a part of introducing how art can reflect lived experience, including emotional and physical pain, identity, and societal issues.

Materials

Acrylic paint
Canvas
Paintbrushes (variety of sizes)
Reference images of Frida Kahlo's self-portraits
Sketchbooks or notebooks for poem planning
Pencils, erasers
Mirrors or student photos for reference

Georgia State Standards

VAHSCR.1: Demonstrates understanding of visual art concepts.
VAHSPR.1: Participates in a variety of art-making processes.
VAHSRE.1: Discusses and evaluates personal and historical artwork.
VAHSCU.2: Identifies the influence of culture and history on personal identity in art.

Essential Questions

How can we use the human figure to express a personal or social narrative?
In what ways did Frida Kahlo's self-portraits go beyond appearance?
How can written language enhance or transform visual storytelling?

Lesson Objectives

Students will:

Analyze the expressive and symbolic nature of Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits.
Reflect on personal experiences to write a narrative poem.
Create a painted figurative portrait that incorporates elements of identity, story, and symbolism.
Consider the integration of text into visual work.

Resource or Artist Reference

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
Focus works: The Two Fridas, Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair.

Steps and Description

Introduce Frida Kahlo and discuss her biography, chronic pain, political beliefs, and her use of personal narrative.
Analyze examples where Frida incorporates text into the artwork or uses symbolic objects to enhance the story.
Students brainstorm a personal or social issue they feel connected to.
Students draft a short narrative poem about this theme. (See video instructions)
In sketchbooks, students plan a symbolic self-portrait that includes:
- Use of body to express pain/strength
- Symbolic elements representing emotion, identity, or struggle
- Optional integration of text (banner, background script, tattoo, etc.)
Paint self-portraits using acrylic on canvas. (See video instructions)
Add the poem visually or present it alongside the work.
Host a gallery walk and allow time for peer feedback and personal reflection.

Closing Activity

Students write or present a short explanation of how their painting and poem connect.

Give the following prompts:

What story are you telling?
Why did you choose specific symbols or imagery?
How did writing a poem shape your painting?

Differentiation

Provide a poetry template or word bank for students needing support.
Offer modified canvas sizes for students with fine motor limitations.
Allow use of collage or mixed media for those who struggle with painting.
Advanced students may include layered symbolism or multiple figures.

Assessment/Rubric

Historical Understanding (15%)
Narrative Poem (25%)
Creativity & Personal Expression (25%)
Technical Skill in Painting (20%)
Participation & Reflection (15%)

Collaboration

Peer poem exchange and feedback prior to final draft.
Small group critiques during sketch and painting stages.

Learning Target

Students will create a symbolic self-portraits inspired by Frida Kahlo that expresse a personal or social narrative through both visual imagery and written poetry with thoughtfully integrating symbolism, emotion, and story.

Success Criteria

I CAN write a poem that tells a personal or social story.
I CAN express ideas visually through painting and symbolic imagery.
I CAN reflect on Frida Kahlo's influence and use her as inspiration.
I CAN explain the choices I made in my artwork and writing.

Step-by-Step Videos

Content Redelivery

Mid-project recap and check-in reminder of Kahlo’s influence through a visual anchor chart or infographic (Image available to download)
The slideshow review of Frida’s symbolic self-portraits with student-led discussion on how each tells a story with a downloadable answer sheet guide to use as a discussion prompt.