Self Portrait - Time Flies 1929

Editor: Here we have Frida Kahlo's Self-Portrait titled "Time Flies," created with oil on canvas. Looking at it, I’m struck by a sense of, well, stillness, despite the title. The airplane overhead and the clock on the right seem to suggest movement or passage of time, but Frida herself looks so resolutely present, almost defiant. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, Frida. She always keeps us guessing, doesn't she? For me, this is about the internal versus the external. That airplane, it’s like a distant thought, a fleeting worry, perhaps a nod to the way the world keeps buzzing around us, whether we feel ready or not. And the clock? A reminder of how time slips through our fingers, but she’s right there, in the foreground, anchored. She’s saying, "I am here, now, despite all the noise." It’s her strength, her absolute refusal to be swept away by anything. Editor: That makes so much sense. I love how you described her as anchored. I'm really getting that now. It’s fascinating how she uses these elements to create such a powerful sense of self. Curator: Exactly! It’s a beautiful dance between her inner world and the world she inhabits. You start to see that even the smallest details can speak volumes when you look closely. Editor: Thank you, that’s really opened my eyes to her perspective. Curator: My pleasure. It’s always a joy to unpack these layers with you.