Johanna Helmuth (b. 1992)

Signed & Dated

signed and dated 2017 (lower right)

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

48†x 36†(122 cm x 91 cm)

Exhibited

Exhibited: Soft Machine, Secret Fresh Sky Gallery, Makati City, December 2017

Write Up

Helmuth’s works often draw upon the various social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of human life. Her works contain within them a sense of familiarity even if one isn’t familiar with her style or voice beforehand. But, what makes Helmuth’s work special is the infused subtle humor and her characteristically rough yet controlled brushwork. In this piece, one can see how Helmuth exaggerates the concept of time by rendering two central figures: a woman who is seemingly nonchalantly passing her time by performing a menial task and another figure whose flesh has already been whisked away by the passage of time. Though comical, there is still a sense of depth and nuance in Helmuth’s work. The piece alludes to a message about the repetitive nature of life itself by showcasing an odd yet familiar setting within the piece. Helmuth’s synthesis of contemporary comedy with timeless social realities confronts an age-old theme for a modern audience.