Portraits in the structural frame

How do artists use visual language to represent the subjects of their portraits?

Through the structural frame, artists communicate meaning using visual language. This can include technical and material choices, the way they use composition, their understanding of aesthetics, and the way they use signs, symbols and codes to make their artworks meaningful.

Artist

  • How has the artist used particular materials or techniques to communicate meaning? Do these materials or techniques have their own meaning?

  • Does the artist belong to a particular art movement, group, or period? What features of the artwork relate to that style?

Artwork

  • What subject matter is represented in the artwork? What meanings are usually associated with that subject matter?

  • What ideas are represented in the artwork? What signs, symbols and codes are used to communicate meaning?

Audience

  • How might audiences 'read' the artwork to reveal its meaning?

  • Are there hidden or layered meanings that might only be understood by certain audiences?

World

  • How might audiences 'read' the artwork to reveal its meaning?

  • Are there hidden or layered meanings that might only be understood by certain audiences?

Critical and historical studies

Activity - 'Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird'

Frida Kahlo (1907 - 1954) was a Mexican artist who is well known for producing many self-portraits throughout her career. Many of her portraits contain layers of symbolism that relate to her personal life and cultural background.

In this painting, Frida Kahlo has added a number of details to communicate symbolic meaning. In this activity you will interpret what you think each detail could symbolise, and then do some research to see how others have interpreted this artwork. Record your responses in a document to share with your teacher.

  • Paste a copy of the artwork image and citation into your document.

  • Make a table with three columns: 'Symbol', 'My interpretation', and 'Other interpretations'.

  • In the 'Symbol' column, list the details that Frida Kahlo has included in this artwork.

  • Thorn necklace

  • Hummingbird

  • Monkey

  • Black cat

  • Butterflies and dragonflies

  • Fill out the 'My interpretation' column first, then do some research to compare your ideas with how other audiences have interpreted this painting.

Start by reading the article Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird by Frida Kahlo (date accessed 16/08/2021). What words have been used to describe the visual qualities of the artwork? Use these descriptive phrases to fill out the 'Other interpretations' column in your table.

Find another piece of writing about this painting. Does this source agree with the first article? Do you agree or disagree with any of the interpretations you have read?

  • Finally, write a short paragraph that explains the hidden and symbolic meanings in this artwork.

Frida Kahlo, 'Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird', 1940.

Oil on canvas, 61 x 47 cm.

Date accessed 16/08/2021.

Artmaking

Activity - Symbolic representations

In this activity you will create a portrait that uses a range of symbols to represent a chosen subject.

  • Decide who you will represent as the subject of this portrait. It could be yourself, a friend or family member, or someone famous.

  • Look at the artwork 'Dolly visits Indulkana' by Kaylene Whiskey, and think about some of the visual language and symbols the artist has used in this artwork.

What can you learn about the artist's cultural background and personal interests from this painting?

Kaylene Whiskey, 'Dolly visits Indulkana', 2020.

Acrylic on linen with plastic jewels, 167.5 x 168.5 cm.

Date accessed 16/08/2021.

  • Make a list of between 5 and 10 symbolic details you could include in your own portrait to represent different things about your chosen subject.

Think about how you could represent aspects of their personality, their cultural background, their personal values and interests, and your relationship with them.

For each symbol, write a one-sentence summary of how that symbol communicates meaning about your portrait subject.

  • Create your portrait using the materials you have available. Think about how your material choices, techniques and actions might change the impact or meaning of your artwork.

Some options might include:

    • a detailed pencil or pen drawing

    • a two-dimensional mixed media artwork that could include elements of drawing, painting, and collage using found images and materials

    • a carefully staged digital photograph of your subject

    • a digital drawing based on a photograph, using the steps outlined in the first lesson in this module.

    • a modified digital photograph that uses Photoshop or another image editor to add symbolic details into the composition. See the Photoshop tutorials on making complex selections and combining multiple images for guidance (date accessed 16/08/2021).

  • Give your portrait a descriptive title, and share your completed artworks with your teacher.

References and images