In the Blight 

Sarah Joncas painted "In the Blight" using oil on panel, and it presents a striking portrait enveloped in ambiguity. The muted palette and the subject’s somber expression evoke a sense of melancholy, yet the smooth finish lends an alluring quality. Dominating the composition are organic, tumor-like forms that sprout from the figure’s neck and hair. These elements, rendered with meticulous detail, disrupt the conventional beauty of the portrait, destabilizing our understanding of the subject’s identity. The contrast between the smooth skin and the textured growths creates a visual tension, suggesting a struggle between the self and an external force. The formal structure implies a semiotic system, where the 'blight' acts as a signifier of inner turmoil or societal ills. The subject's gaze, directed away from the viewer, reinforces a sense of alienation. Joncas uses these formal elements not only to create a visually arresting image but also to probe deeper into themes of decay, identity, and the human condition.