Seen and Not Heard (2)

"Seen and Not Heard (2)" is the second chapter in a bold, visually arresting series by J. Brooke Wade that explores the tension between visibility and silence — particularly as it relates to feminine expression. In this surreal watercolor portrait, plump dark pink lips hold a brown human eye, offering an image that is both intimate and provocative. It’s a mouth that doesn’t speak, yet says everything through the power of what it holds.

This piece builds on the themes introduced in the series, focusing on the emotional weight of being watched, objectified, and muted. The warm, grounded tone of the brown eye set against the richness of the lips creates a sense of pressure and presence — a visual metaphor for the way women are often expected to appear but not be heard. There’s power in the quiet defiance of it — in holding the gaze rather than returning it.

The soft, fluid brushwork in the lips contrasts with the sharper clarity of the eye, amplifying the tension between beauty and resistance. As a watercolor painting, it feels delicate in medium but strong in message — an embodiment of the subtle power in holding space, in refusing to be made invisible.

Perfect for:

• collectors of feminist surrealism and symbolic watercolor art

• fans of unconventional feminine portraiture

• those drawn to art that engages with silence, identity, and cultural resistance

• buyers seeking pieces that speak quietly but powerfully about empowerment and voice

Whether displayed alone or as part of the full Seen and Not Heard series, this piece makes a bold visual statement — one that is personal, political, and undeniably human. It’s an invitation to reflect on what we suppress, and what we allow to be seen.

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