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RAGNHILDUR JÓHANNS | Oil | 60x60 cm • 24x24 in

Handled No. 5


Ragnhildur Jóhanns explores the presence of a female hand as a bridge between the viewer and the subject, adding a layer of intimacy and human connection. The hand, often depicted touching, holding, or gently arranging objects, transforms the traditional still life into a quiet narrative moment, inviting deeper engagement with the scene. Jóhanns fascination with this theme stems from the tactile relationship we have with the world around us. Whether it’s the delicate caress of a petal, the firm grip on a ripe fruit, or the subtle motion of arranging elements, the hand introduces a sense of life and movement within the stillness. More than just a compositional element, it serves as a reminder of our interaction with nature, our appreciation for its beauty, and our role in its preservation. Through this approach, Jóhanns reimagines the still life, blending observation with emotion and presence.

Materials: Oil on Canvas
Size: 24 x 24 in | 60 x 60 cm

Sale price$4,263.00
Handled No. 5
Handled No. 5 Sale price$4,263.00

Artist’s Vision

Ragnhildur Jóhanns

In her still life paintings, Ragnhildur Jóhanns uses the presence of a female hand to bridge the viewer and the subject, adding intimacy and human connection. While still life traditionally symbolizes beauty and the elevation of everyday objects, Jóhanns disrupts this by introducing the hand as an active participant. Depicted in the act of touching, holding, or gently arranging objects, the hand transforms the scene from static perfection to a narrative moment full of life and human interaction. Emerging from the void, it becomes an unexpected intruder in the stillness: a symbol of life and disorder, challenging the notion of absolute stillness and introducing a dynamic tension between structured beauty and human chaos. The more her work adheres to classical aesthetics, the more striking the disruption becomes, creating a charged atmosphere where the hand, through its gestures, brings movement and energy to what would otherwise be a static arrangement.

This theme explores the tactile relationship we have with the world, whether through the delicate touch of a petal, the firm grip of a ripe fruit, or the subtle motion of arranging elements. Through these interactions, the hand invites a deeper, more personal connection with the viewer, encouraging reflection on our role in preserving and appreciating nature’s beauty. Jóhanns’ work transforms the still life into a living moment, where touch not only connects but also brings a new narrative to the scene. Through this, she hopes to inspire a more intimate relationship between the viewer and the world of objects around them