At Enter Gallery, we believe in the power of art to capture more than just aesthetics - it can immortalise stories, preserve identity, and honour what makes us uniquely human.
In ‘Portrait of a Voice’, a moving new short documentary, artist Sara Pope turns her focus to just that – using art to express connection, emotion and legacy.
The film follows Sara as she creates YVONNE, a bespoke lip portrait of Yvonne Johnson, an extraordinary woman living with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
“I'm trying to keep my fire alive, my voice alive, my smile alive.”
Yvonne Johnson
As MND progresses, over 80% of those affected will begin to lose the use of their mouth and, eventually, their ability to speak. This commission was conceived with one powerful intention: to preserve Yvonne’s smile – her voice – before it is silenced by the disease.
“The mouth is such a compelling subject. It’s so fundamental to being human. To be human is to be able to express yourself”
Sara Pope
Sara, known for her high-gloss lip portraits, was moved by the opportunity to create a portrait with such profound purpose. Her signature approach – painting in delicate layers of oil (and sometimes lipstick) – is elevated in this project, transforming the portrait into a vessel for communication, identity, and hope.
“It means a lot just to look at it... The whole thing is a tool for me to be heard.”Yvonne Johnson
Commissioned in collaboration with Rolls Royce, Witness London, ML, and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the project aimed to raise awareness and vital funds for MND. At a recent live fundraising event, YVONNE raised an incredible £15,500, supporting the foundation’s essential work.
The film doesn’t just document the making of a painting - it shows how art can crystallise a moment, elevating an individual’s story and impact. A portrait becomes more than an artwork - it becomes a legacy.
“I’ve never done anything like this before – so it’s a privilege to be able to do something like this with Yvonne.” – Sara Pope
Watch the short film below to witness Yvonne’s story and the making of her portrait.
If you’re interested in telling your own story through a bespoke artwork, find out more about artist commissions here.
