For as bad as macroeconomics can get, they sure make life feel light compared to the despair that results from excessive self-absorption. Frida Kahlo’s exhibit at the SFMOMA is a cautionary tale of the futility of remaining trapped in one’s immediate experience. My friend Melissa remarked how about 90% of her work was self-portraits.

Given how important it is to have outside perspectives to ground you in reality, it is no wonder she was enmeshed so long with her near-canine partner.

“Sin Esperanza” (above) drives this home most poignantly in both image and title.