The artwork “Magnolias” was created by artist Frida Kahlo in 1945. It is an oil painting on masonite that measures 41 by 57 centimeters and belongs to the genre of still life. Associated with Naïve Art (Primitivism), this piece is part of the Balbina Azcárraga Collection located in Mexico City, Mexico.
The artwork depicts a lush, closely observed bouquet of magnolia flowers, along with some of their leaves. The composition is rich in detail, with a textured juxtaposition of the soft white petals against the darker, glossy foliage. The blossoms are at different stages of bloom, from tightly closed buds to fully unfurled flowers. Kahlo’s adept use of shading and light imbues the petals with a sense of softness and volume, and despite the botanical realism, there is a dreamlike quality to the painting reflective of her unique style within the Primitivism movement. The tactile realism of the flowers contrasts with the flat, subdued background, directing the viewer’s full attention to the detailed still life. Kahlo’s signature is visible, adding a personal touch to the serene composition.
