Martine Johanna

The escapistic and slightly hypnagogic works of Martine Johanna are figurative within the realm of new contemporary realism, and embody the inner workings of a self described “female chimerical house.” A symbolic paradoxical house that explores the mental fluctuations of an archetypical female roaming a predominantly male infrastructure, while trying to observantly experience her own narratives within the social fabric she is part of. The painterly works, often on linen and panels, are made with acrylic in an optimistic prismatic color spectrum reminiscent of Fauvism and carry the atmosphere of Mid Century idealism. 

Part of Johanna’s inspiration is drawn from childhood. The artist grew up in an environment structured by traditional gender divides, rules, and roles, with those more restrictive and judgemental towards girls. Being taught to personify what a girl should be and accept responsibility for victimhood, the artist sought an escape through cheap dime novels, TV programs and fashion magazines, much like the screens and social media channels of today. It provided escape into an illusive and ethereal world filled with fairytale castles and savior princes. Johanna’s female protagonists playfully exhibit the inner struggle between youthful naivety and adulthood, in an attempt to establish their own gender driven identities and romantic inclinations while trying to fit into the world around them.

Martine Johanna studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem, Netherlands, where she completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She has exhibited internationally, including exhibitions at commercial galleries in Amsterdam, San Francisco, New York, Aalborg, Los Angeles and San Diego. Johanna’s work resides in prominent private collections internationally.