at wold soon follow in a burst of creativity initiated by this Self Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky is not present in the painting itself. Ropes and ribbons often indicate things that bind and the flowers in Frida's firmly grasped hands can be symbolic of fertility. Partnered with the slip of paper, exclusively dedicating the portrait to Trotsky, also in her hands, a conclusion can be assumed Kahlo was having a private conversation or performance with Leon through her gift to him, the portrait. The bound curtains parted to display her while still referring to the private relationship they shared. Her seductive gaze intended for his recieval and understanding reflect this as well, and the flowers are a reminder of that which had occurred and the fertility to be experienced in the coming productivity and success in Frida's life. In a sense, a thank you and acknowledgment from the refined Frida are offered while notions of the fiery, passionate Frida teasingly remind "El Viejo" of her (Garza p.87)."Between the Curtains" ( a name given to the self portrait by gallery owner Levy), stands a confident, self composed Frida in a moment out of place out of time (Herrera p,230). The moment the composed Frida represents is the time spent between herself and the paintings recipient, Leon Trotsky. Assumed to be imaginary, surreal this "moment" has alluded its viewer since its creation. For Frida's intent, with her eyes penetrating, seductive and focused was to be a private, understood "act" which took place between she and Leon.But what is the story Frida seems to desire to share with Leon exclusively? How did he come into her life and play such an important role?The story behind Trotsky is as detailed and fascinating as the story to which Frida's "staged performance" refers to in her self portrait. A Russian revolutionary who worked with Lenin, founded the Red Army; Trotsky found himself exiled from the Soviet Union in 1929. After Leni...
