Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar see such codes as responsive to and representative of the dominant order, yet subversive in the camouflaged, deeper meanings they purvey. All other autobiographic, corporeal renditions are portraits of the artist, most often set against lush, exotic backgrounds. Making use of Gradivian symbolism was a strategic move on the part of the Mexican artist, who hoped to establish international recognition by gaining the approval of the Pope of Surrealism, among others.
Moreover, she quickly became smitten with and inspired by the wit and talent of Lamba. In the words of Whitney Chadwick,.
Kahlo studies have a history of ideological about-faces and every decade or so researchers seem to focus on different facets of her output. Daniel Filipacchi Collection, Paris photo: Wikiart , www. Thus, the analysis of What the Water Gave Me seems to mark an important step towards examining her art through the lens of Euro-American cultural transfers and feminist re-imaginings of traditional roles ascribed to women artists in the s.
Thus, I do not give a detailed analysis of the painting. Thus, raising the question of Gradiva as a doubtful picture of fulfilled femininity and emancipation for the proactive, strong-minded Frida seems particularly pertinent in light of her personal politics and physical disabilities β both seemingly excluded her from the Gradivian ideal of a perfect muse for the male artist.
The philosophy of love so ferociously advocated by Breton was based on its redemptory, inspirational role, accompanied by the unconditional veneration of a mythical, child-like femininity, the so-called Eternal Woman.
