Cheryl Johnson Artist Journal - Braving the Proscenium Veil
A Poignant Story of Radical Vulnerability, Censorship, and the Unwavering Resolve to Live Fully in Oneself.
Discover the heartbreaking story behind The Lost Portrait. A moment of radical vulnerability by Cheryl Johnson, erased by censorship and dementia, yet surviving as a timeless symbol of resilience.
In a moment of radical vulnerability, Cheryl braved the proscenium veil, creating a work where she stepped out sans clothing—figuratively and literally naked for the world to see.
However, this act of courage coincided with a quiet tragedy at home; her partner, slowly drifting into the confusion of dementia, became embarrassed by the raw exposure of the piece. In a heartbreaking act of censorship, she stealthily entered her studio and covered the painting with heavy strokes of paint, effectively erasing the image.
The physical artwork is lost, but a single photograph remains—a poignant memento reminding Cheryl to live fully in oneself, regardless of the shadows that threaten
to hide the truth.
