journal (1) Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)

The composition presents a vibrant scene centered around a celebratory ritual or dance. A large, stylized sun dominates the upper portion of the frame, radiating outward with thick, petal-like forms in shades of orange and yellow. Above it, handwritten text – danza al sol – suggests the subject matter is a solar dance.
Below the sun, figures appear to be engaged in movement. These are rendered in a simplified, almost childlike style, with elongated limbs and minimal detail. They seem to interact with various animals: a bird perched on one figure’s shoulder, a bovine creature positioned centrally, and other animal forms scattered throughout the scene. The color palette is bold and expressive, employing strong contrasts between yellows, oranges, browns, blues, and blacks.
The background appears as an abstract plane of reddish-brown, which contributes to the overall flatness of the image. Theres a deliberate lack of perspective or depth; figures are arranged on what seems like a single plane, reinforcing the sense of a stylized, symbolic representation rather than a realistic depiction.
Subtly, there’s a feeling of communal joy and connection with nature. The animals arent presented as separate entities but seem to be integrated into the dance itself, blurring the lines between human and animal realms. The simplicity of the forms and the directness of the color choices evoke a sense of primal energy and unmediated expression. It’s possible to interpret this work as an exploration of cultural identity or a representation of ancient traditions – a visual embodiment of a communitys relationship with the sun and its natural environment.