Fulang-Chang and I Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)

This is a striking self-portrait of Frida Kahlo, titled Fulang-Chang and I, painted in 1937. Kahlo is depicted from the chest up, her gaze direct and unwavering towards the viewer. Her signature unibrow is prominent, and her lips are painted a soft coral. Her dark hair is pulled back and braided with pale pink ribbons, framing her face.

To Kahlos left, a fluffy, pale gray creature with a shaggy coat is visible, its form indistinct and somewhat ethereal, blending into the background. To her right, and nestled closer to her, is a small, black spider monkey named Fulang-Chang. The monkey, with its dark, wide eyes and inquisitive expression, looks out towards the viewer, mirroring Kahlos direct gaze. It wears a delicate pink ribbon around its neck, similar to the one in Kahlos hair.

Behind them, lush, oversized green leaves form a dense backdrop, their veins clearly delineated, adding a tropical, almost jungle-like atmosphere to the portrait. The contrast between the detailed rendering of Kahlo and the monkey, and the more impressionistic treatment of the foliage and the shaggy creature, creates depth and visual interest.

Subtexts and Interpretations:

• The Monkey as a Symbol: Monkeys were common companions for Frida Kahlo, and in her work, they often symbolize her children, whom she was unable to have due to her injuries. Fulang-Chang, in this context, can be seen as a surrogate child, with Kahlos maternal feelings projected onto the creature. The monkeys watchful gaze and proximity to Kahlo suggest a close bond and a sense of protection.
• The Shaggy Creature: The identity of the pale, shaggy creature to Kahlos left is less clear, but its often interpreted as a dog or possibly another pet. Its presence further emphasizes Kahlos affinity for animals and her tendency to surround herself with them. Some also see it as a representation of loneliness or a past companion.
• Self-Assertion and Identity: Kahlos direct gaze and unibrow are deliberate artistic choices that challenge traditional notions of feminine beauty. She presents herself with unflinching honesty, asserting her unique identity and embracing her distinctive features as sources of power rather than shame.
• Nature and Spirituality: The abundant foliage suggests a connection to nature and perhaps a spiritual grounding in the natural world. The vibrant green also contrasts with the more subdued tones of the figures, drawing attention to the lush environment that sustains them.
• Intimacy and Vulnerability: Despite the confident presentation, the intimate details of Kahlos appearance and the presence of her beloved pets hint at her personal world and emotional landscape. The painting captures a moment of quiet connection between the artist, her monkey, and the surrounding nature.
• The Ribbon: The repeated use of the pale pink ribbon on both Kahlo and the monkey creates a visual link between them, reinforcing their close relationship and suggesting a shared tenderness or perhaps a gentle constraint.