The following quote is from an article by artincontext.org analyzing the meaning behind Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas (1939).
The Two Fridas (1939) painting has different meanings, but it was painted when Kahlo was going through a divorce with her husband Diego Rivera, depicting her heartbreak and sadness. It also symbolizes Kahlo’s different identities, namely her European and Mexican identities, evident in the dresses she wears. Furthermore, some have said that it refers to her imaginary childhood friend.”
Although Frida Kahlo is famous for producing paintings that arise themes of gender, identities, nationality, race, politics, and sexuality, I believe The Two Frida’s is a depiction of her split from Diego Rivera. Like mentioned in the quote above, Frida Kahlo painted The Two Fridas during a vulnerable time in her life. Her split with Diego Rivera brought turmoil and confusion to her life. It’s important to know that before the couple split, they had traveled throughout the United States to support Diego’s career. My take on the meaning behind that painting is that they represent the time Frida had with Diego; before, during, and after their split.
Like the quote mentioned, The Two Frida’s symbolizes Frida’s European and Mexican identities. I think Frida’s time with Diego in the United States produced an identity in Frida that differed from the relationship Frida had with Diego prior to their divorce and their trip to the States. In her painting, the Frida on the left side is dressed in what is presumed to be a Victorian wedding dress. The upper right side of the dress is torn, revealing a heart that has been cut open. Her left hand holds a pair of surgical scissors that are most likely responsible for the cuts in her heart, however in her hand they clamp the vein. Blood drips onto the white dress, but it almost blends in with the little designs that are embroidered. I believe this Frida represents the feelings and identity Frida identified with during her time with Diego, especially in the United States. Although the left side Frida’s heart is connected to the right side Fridas heart through a vein, they differ greatly. The Friday on the right side wears a Tehuana dress. Her dress is intact, despite it revealing her heart. The heart also seems untouched. In her right hand she holds a photo of Diego as a kid. I believe this Frida represents the happier times she had with Diego, especially in Mexico.