SEEN 112

THE TRACY PIPER

SEEN 112, 2022
Acrylic on Canvas
10 x 10 x 1.5 in

Signed on Back

Model: Joshua Kehl

ABOUT THE WORK

This work is part of The Tracy Piper's "SEEN," a collaborative art project of 50 eye paintings that were made during the month of October. For this series, the artist organized an open call for her collectors, fans, and fellow artists to be featured as one of her models. Each participant answered the same question: What does it mean to feel seen? Each painting and response is featured in the artist’s second book aptly titled “SEEN”.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FEEL SEEN?

"I was raised in the Christian South as a white, cis, hetero male, and in that environment, there was not a lot of room to be different.  I tried to act similar, dress similar, do all the things I was supposed to do and be, but that mask weighed me, twisted me, and closed me off.  It is not only that I hid being gay and gender queer, but I hid my expression and silenced my heart.  Nothing was easy, but I’m grateful to have held on believing the loneliness would end.  

Every day I choose to honor that kid by shedding the veils I thought kept me safe.   Now, I push towards play, sparkle, whimsy, music, and dance. I express my queerness as much as I uphold my roots as a southerner and many of the kinder and humanitarian ideals of being raised Christian and by a loving family.  I choose color and joy and believe in grace and compassion. 

Being Seen is about acknowledging your whole self first so that it can be shared with others.  It becomes an invitation, a first hello because when you show yourself, you give space for others to show themselves too.  The expression becomes a door in a world seemingly made of walls and typological definitions.  I am grateful to attest that so many people have taken interest that I take interest.  Complete strangers say, “Hi” on the bus, at the grocery store, on the streets, or at bars merely because of how I present.  It’s so fantastic to feel that connection. 

Visibility is a conduit and conversation that gives us power to see beyond ourselves.  We can make space for people to shine their light, to be seen themselves, and break down the boundaries others have made before us.  I am hopeful because of the sights we make and the hearts that open.  It is already changing the world."—Joshua Kehl

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Learn more about The Tracy Piper and her vibrant figurative paintings.

HANGING & CARE

Artwork is ready to hang on the wall; hanging wire is secured on the back (nail and hook needed). Dust raw canvas with a clean, soft brush and HEPA-filtered vacuum to clean. Using a new, clean brush prevents transfer of grime from previous dustings.

PURCHASE INFO

Gallery pick up, local delivery & international shipping available! Questions? Contact us