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Original poster

Inappropriate Art lesson

115 replies

Copingmama · 11/09/2025 20:09

My 9 year old was shown a painting by Frida Kahlo in his Art lesson, which he also stuck into his book. It’s called ‘What the Water Gave me’ and includes naked women, including one being strangled. Does this seem inappropriate?

What the Water Gave Me (painting) - Wikipedia

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Water_Gave_Me_(painting)

OP posts:
dontcomeatme · 11/09/2025 20:53

We have a lot of nude statues where we live, everything is on display! Nudity in art is unavoidable x

arcticpandas · 11/09/2025 20:52

My DS 12 would cry if he saw this. He's very sensitive but I think that Kahlo has many other paintings that are less morbid and more appropriate for children.

Ddakji · 11/09/2025 20:52

Happyjoe · 11/09/2025 20:37

I think it's ok, if he is comfortable with it. To be honest, prob seen more on TV or online these days.

A 9 year old sees naked women being strangled on TV? I don’t think so.

I think that’s inappropriate.

HannahHamptonsGloves · 11/09/2025 20:48

Would you take your 9 year old to Tate Britain? Or any other 'traditional' are gallery? They'd see a lot of death and nudity there! Or is it the more modern depiction that you are worried about?

CrowMate · 11/09/2025 20:48

There are lots of fantastic pieces of art that are more suitable for nine year olds. I dont think this is necessary or appropriate for that age group.

Childanddogmama · 11/09/2025 20:47

Odd choice. Many other pieces could have been chosen.

Changingplace · 11/09/2025 20:45

I think this would go over most kids heads tbh, it’s just bodies, it’s not pornographic, you often see nudes in galleries, not something I could get wound up about really.

DiscoBob · 11/09/2025 20:41

Art featuring nudes is a key part of art history and learning how to draw. So I think it's fine. As long as they give the meaning some context.

GreenFrogYellow · 11/09/2025 20:40

It’s fine, are you not going to take your kid too a gallery or museum incase they see something like that?

Happyjoe · 11/09/2025 20:37

I think it's ok, if he is comfortable with it. To be honest, prob seen more on TV or online these days.

KeenGreen · 11/09/2025 20:33

I read this as ‘year 9’ and didnt think it would be too bad then saw you said 9 years old.
so yeah I don’t think that’s appropriate personally

Whateverwillwedonow · 11/09/2025 20:20

What did the teacher say about the painting?
what did your dc think?

Didimum · 11/09/2025 20:18

Frida Kahlo was an incredible artist. Exposure to great art is part of a rounded education and its not unreasonable to expect a 9yr old to start to develop a maturity around the discussion of art – which yes is full of the nude form and varying degrees of symbolism.

Freda999 · 11/09/2025 20:15

It's Frida's memoir and an excellent piece of work (in my opinion)
What did your son say/think about it?

NuffSaidSam · 11/09/2025 20:12

It wouldn't be my first choice for an art lesson for nine year olds, but I don't think it's inappropriate as such.

Was he perturbed by it?