Arcadia 2018

Martine Johanna created this painting, titled Arcadia, in the 20th century. Johanna’s compositions often engage with the realms of fashion, portraiture and surrealism. Here, the figure is adorned in pinks and pastels and reclines in a manner reminiscent of classical portraiture, yet she seems to question more traditional presentations of femininity. The woman's androgynous features and unconventional platinum hair signal a departure from societal expectations of women, and perhaps invite us to reconsider how gender is performed. Johanna has said “My work is a search for the sweet spot where beauty and unease meet.” This piece in particular captures this sentiment: the vibrant colours contrasted against the dark background create a tension, as the subject seems caught between worlds. Arcadia makes a space for discussions around identity, beauty, and the complexities of self-expression.