Source: Stjepan Šejić
For whatever reason, this simple painting almost brought me to tears. Take note that these are my ponderings specifically, not commenting on what I think the artist was trying to convey.
The rose blooms on Harley's arm, the vine hiding a small leaf, like the growth of their companionship. There is always a seed of something new and always the beauty of the flower of love.
The contrast of the earthly green vine caressing Harley's skin makes otherwise hidden scars visible to the wandering eye. Battle scars of both physical and emotional confrontations. Joker did a number on her and Batman the fuel for her rage and nightmares under Joker's spell.
What sparked this curiosity originally were the different grasps of their hands. Ivy is holding on tightly and it looks like Harley is barely trying, like she doesn't care nor wants to hold on. At first glance it made think of the fragility of love itself, but it being Harley, I see it telling of her own fragility and Ivy being her stability.
Harley's touch is gentle because she is ready to fall, but a closer look it speaks volumes about her trust in Ivy. She knows Ivy is always there for her, that her heart blooms like the rose despite their pasts of betrayel and abuse.
The gentle touch of a lover versus the strong grasp of a lover portrays levels of need within their relationship. To hold on is an act of determination and steadfastness, to gently touch is an act of comforting and relaxing into the moment, both geared towards trust and faith.
This picture represents a balance of forces: Ivy won't let Harley fall into crippling self -doubt ever again and Harley won't let Ivy give up on her determination to save the world.
