Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Frida Kahlo Inspired Self-Portraits for Kids

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, is a time to recognize and honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals. It is a perfect opportunity to introduce children to influential figures from the Hispanic community who have made significant impacts in various fields, including art. One such iconic artist is Frida Kahlo, whose vibrant and introspective self-portraits make her an ideal choice to inspire young minds to explore their creativity and identity through art.

The Life and Legacy of Frida Kahlo

Before diving into the world of self-portraits, it's important to introduce children to the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo. Born in Mexico in 1907, Kahlo overcame adversity and physical challenges to become one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. Kahlo's life was marked by pain, resilience, and a fierce determination to express her unique perspective through art. To learn more about Kahlo's life, watch and share the Lou Bee ABC Self Portrait Artist video Frida Kahlo for Kids.

Interactive Activity

Show your students Frida Kahlo's self-portraits, such as "Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird" or "The Two Fridas." Ask them to observe the paintings and share their initial reactions. Encourage them to express how the paintings make them feel. Kahlo provides opportunities for the exploration of emotions through art. Her self-portraits often depict the pain, joy, and complex emotions she experienced in her life. This provides an excellent opportunity to discuss emotions with your students and how they can use art as a vessel for self-expression.

Artistic Expression Exercise

Provide your students with art materials like colored pencils, markers, and paper, keep it simple. Ask them to create their own self-portraits and to focus on their current emotions. Encourage your students to use colors and symbols that represent how they feel. If possible, supply a handheld mirror to help students capture facial features and expressions, and a black Sharpie for outlining and to capture fine details.

Finding Inspiration in Nature

Frida Kahlo's connection to nature is evident in many of her self-portraits, which often feature lush landscapes and vibrant flora. You can use this aspect of her art to introduce children to the beauty of the natural world. Ask your students, "Where do we find beauty in our world and communities?", and to consider incorporating their observations into their works of art.

Nature-Inspired Art Activity

Take your students on a nature walk or show them pictures of colorful flowers, trees, and animals. Then, ask them to incorporate elements of nature into their self-portraits, just like Kahlo did in her paintings. Have your students consider incorporating a favorite pet or animal into their artworks.

Empowering Messages

Frida Kahlo's life and art convey empowering messages about resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself. These messages can serve as valuable life lessons for children. Kahlo's biography is a testimony of how therapeutic and powerful expression through the visual arts can be.

Discussion on Empowerment

Engage your students in a discussion about what they've learned from Frida Kahlo's life. Ask questions like, "What can we learn from Frida Kahlo about facing challenges?" or "How can we embrace our uniqueness, just like she did?"

In summary, introducing children to Frida Kahlo's self-portraits during Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to celebrate both her incredible legacy and the diverse cultures that contribute to our world. Through Kahlo's art, children can explore their own emotions, connect with nature, and learn valuable life lessons about resilience and self-expression. Frida Kahlo is a guiding light that can be used to inspire expression in our young artists. Give this activity a try and share your thoughts and outcomes in the comments below.

The School of Saint-Leger has been in the business of public education for over twenty years. We are a reliable and credible source for art educators, parents and children. We advocate for art education in schools, and host studio art classes and community art events for children and families.