Treasure Island 2018

Martine Johanna created this intriguing image, Treasure Island, with acrylics and oils on canvas. The smooth, almost photographic depiction of the woman's face and hands is immediately striking, achieved through the meticulous layering of paint. But it's the juxtaposition of this realism with abstract elements that really grabs our attention. Notice the flat planes of color that seem collaged onto the canvas, disrupting the illusion of depth. And consider the shattered mirror fragments in the woman's hair. These break apart the coherent image, almost like a Cubist painting. The materials themselves – acrylic and oil – are also worth considering. Both are readily available, relatively inexpensive, and quick to dry, making them ideal for a fast-paced production. And the subject itself, a slightly melancholic woman adorned with a gold cherry, speaks to themes of consumerism and idealized beauty. Ultimately, Treasure Island encourages us to question the boundaries between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill involved in creating such a complex and thought-provoking image.