Page 55 - ELA_CA_HighSchool_Sampler_Flipbook

ACTIVITY 1.6 continued
16 Have students complete the OPTIC graphic organizer to analyze the painting.
38 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 10
38 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 10
9781457304668_TCB_SE_G10_U1_B1.indd 38 10/6/15 11:56 P
ACTIVITY 1.6
continued
Two Perspectives on Cultural Identity
Title of Piece: Self-Portrait on the Borderline Between Mexico and the United States Artist: Frida Kahlo Type of Artwork: painting
Overview
Look at the artwork for at least 10 seconds. Generate questions that you have about the artwork, such as the following: What is the subject? What strikes you as interesting, odd, etc.? What is happening?
How does her dress—its color and style—represent her place between two cultures?
What does the skull on the Mexico side represent? Why is she holding a Mexican flag?
What aspect of life in each country is represented by the roots on one side and the electrical wires on the other?
Parts
Look closely at the artwork, making note of important elements and details. Ask additional questions, such as the following: Who are the figures? What is the setting and time period? What symbols are present? What historical information would aid understanding of this piece?
Analysis of the steam/clouds: the clouds on the United States side seem to mingle with the factory steam and include the American flag.
The clouds on the Mexico side include a glaring sun and a darker cloud with a crescent moon connected by lightning.
The forces of weather seem a larger, looming presence on the Mexico side while the presence of industry appears to loom the largest on the United States side.
Title
Consider what the title and any written elements of the text suggest about meaning. How does the title relate to what is portrayed?
Self-Portrait on the Borderline Between Mexico and the United States suggests that the differences between these two cultures contribute to how the painter defines herself.
The caption on the pedestal means “Carmen Rivera painted her portrait in 1932.” Kahlo used her maiden name as an artist, so this suggests that she is defining her cultural identity on this borderline.
Interrelationships
Look for connections between and among the title, caption, and the parts of the art. How are the different elements related?
The common gray/brown landscape highlights the different elements of each world.
The girl’s pink dress seems to keep her out of place in both worlds as neither is a natural fit for her attire.
Various aspects of Mexican culture appear to sit opposite the predominantly industrial depiction of America.
Conclusion
Form a conclusion about the meaning/theme of the text. Remember the questions you asked when you first examined it. Be prepared to support your conclusions with evidence.
The individual is caught between two very different worlds—the ancient, natural world of Mexico and the industrialized, modern world of the United States.
© 2017 College Board. All rights reserved.
© 2017 College Board. All rights reserved.
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