Coming Apart 2022

Martine Johanna created this painting titled 'Coming Apart' sometime in the 20th century. Johanna uses the visual language of portraiture to explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and emotional fragmentation, particularly through a female lens. Here, the work presents a dual image of a woman, one in vibrant, warm tones, the other a muted, shadowy version of herself. This composition evokes questions about the different selves we present to the world, and the hidden aspects of our internal lives. The woman's gaze is direct, almost confrontational, inviting viewers to acknowledge her emotional state, whilst the ghostly double suggests a sense of dissociation or inner turmoil. The hand that is pressed against the dividing point between the two figures could be seen as a barrier and also a meeting point. The title, 'Coming Apart', suggests a broader commentary on the pressures and expectations placed on women in contemporary society, and perhaps, the struggle to maintain a cohesive sense of self amidst these conflicting demands. The painting feels incredibly raw and intimate, offering a space for empathy and recognition of shared experiences.