The artwork “Coconuts” by artist Frida Kahlo was created in 1951. It is characterized by the Naïve Art movement, specifically Primitivism, and is a still life. The dimensions of this piece measure 25.4 x 34.6 cm. This painting is an example of Kahlo’s engagement with depicting everyday objects, rendered with a vivid yet earthy palette that reflects her unique style within the still life genre.
In the artwork, ripe coconuts occupy the central position amidst the composition, with one cracked open to reveal its fibrous white interior and the refreshing liquid inside. Alongside these, a vibrant watermelon slice, with deep red flesh and black seeds, adds a pop of contrasting color. Accompanying these tropical fruits is a lemon, further punctuating the scene with its bright yellow rind and suggesting a sensory mix of textures and flavors. The backdrop is rendered in a striking green, providing a complementary contrast to the warm tones of the fruits. Kahlo’s brushwork and attention to detail within “Coconuts” is evident, capturing the various surfaces with a tactile quality that invites the viewer to not only see but almost feel the textures presented.
