Reverence 2016

Martine Johanna’s painting, Reverence, seems to emerge from layers of translucent color, creating a luminous, dreamlike quality. It feels like the process of image making is laid bare. The way Johanna handles paint here is really interesting. The skin tones aren’t just flat colors; they’re built up with washes of peach, lavender, and even hints of green. It's like she’s mapping the subtle shifts in light and shadow, which creates a sense of depth and volume. Look closely at the honey-like substance dripping from her lips, rendered with such luscious detail, you can almost feel its stickiness. The way the light catches on the edges, it’s mesmerizing. Thinking about other artists this reminds me of, maybe someone like Jenny Saville? Both artists push the boundaries of figurative painting. They aren’t afraid to show the messy, imperfect aspects of the human form, and that's what makes their work so compelling. Ultimately, these paintings are about holding space for ambiguity, leaving room for the viewer to bring their own experiences and associations to the work.