Painting vs. Photographs

Learning to distinguish between reality and representation is a key component of developing skills in visual literacy. Students in early elementary use illustrations to describe characters, settings, or events. At some point, they begin to understand the difference between what is an accurate picture of an object and what is representation of the same object.

Using photographs and paintings to illustrate these differences helps scaffold this understanding. While learning the Spanish words for photograph and painting, students also develop an appreciation for some of the great Latin American painters such as Botero in Colombia, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera from Mexico, and Fernando Llort from El Salvador. Much of Latin American art focuses on color and forms that convey a pride in the painter’s heritage, as well as a love of people and culture. Every country has its own regional artists, but almost all of them draw inspiration from their home country and the life they see all around them.

Diego Rivera (1886-1957) was a muralist who painted a number of important works in Mexico and the United States. His frescos are grand in scale, often similar in style to ancient Mayan and Aztec stone carvings, and portray the history of Mexico as well as other modern themes. He was married to Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) whose surrealist painting brought elements of Mexican folk art into complex symbolic and introspective works. Many of her works are self-portraits, which seek to express her deep feelings and health issues.

Fernando Botero (born 1932) is one of the greatest living artists of Latin America. His Colombian inspired paintings focus primarily on portraits, which are proportionately exaggerated, or “fat.” His style is unique and his work has been exhibited throughout the world covering religious and political themes, as well as ordinary people and daily life. Fernando Llort (born 1949) developed an artistic style in the midst of the civil war in El Salvador, which focused on simple natural forms of birds, animals, trees, and houses in bright colors and geometric shapes. This style has become so popular that it can be seen on many souvenirs bought in Central America.

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