Be part of this new project
The Seen
Approximately one hundred anonymous eyes, painted on found objects, from people all around the world — each one numbered, not named.
‘The Seen’ is a year-long project of around one hundred small eye paintings, created on found objects such as tins and spoons. It draws quietly from the history of Georgian Lover’s Eyes, and considers anonymity, presence, and collective visibility.
The finished collection will come together for my first solo exhibition in the US, at Hidell Brooks Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2027.
I’m still looking for people who’d like to take part. If that’s you, I’d love to hear from you.
To take part
- Email me a clear, high-resolution photo of your eye — or of your face, and I’ll choose an eye from it.
- I’ll reply to confirm. Everything else — anonymity, sales, and the full FAQ — is in the details below.
or email robyn@robynrich.com with any questions.
Full details & FAQ
About the project
‘The Seen’ is a year-long project of approximately one hundred small paintings of eyes, created on found objects such as tins and spoons. It draws quietly from the history of Georgian Lover’s Eyes, and considers anonymity, presence, and collective visibility. The completed project will be exhibited publicly at Hidell Brooks Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2027.
Participation
You’re invited to submit:
- a high-resolution image of your eye (or eyes), or
- a photograph of your face, from which an eye may be selected.
Images are used solely as reference material for the paintings. The photographs themselves will not be exhibited, published, or sold.
Image quality
So I can see the fine detail and variation within the eye, image quality matters:
- Please send a high-resolution image, not a screenshot.
- Natural light is best — soft window light works well.
- The eye should be in clear focus, with the iris and surrounding area visible.
- Minimal or no filters, editing, or heavy makeup is preferred.
- Phone-camera images are fine, as long as they’re sharp and well-lit.
The expression is entirely up to you — neutral, smiling, tired, tearful, direct or averted, all are welcome. If you’re unsure whether your image is suitable, you’re welcome to ask before submitting.
Anonymity
All finished works are anonymous. No names, text, or identifying information will accompany individual artworks — in the exhibition, in sales material, or in promotion.
Exhibition and sales
The finished artworks will be exhibited publicly and offered for sale individually through the gallery. If you’d like to purchase the painting of your eye, you’ll be able to contact the gallery directly. Participation doesn’t imply ownership, authorship, or entitlement to proceeds from sales.
Image use and storage
Images are handled privately and with care. They’re used only as reference material during painting, and won’t be shared with third parties. Images are kept for the duration of the project and may be deleted once it’s complete.
Consent
By submitting an image, you confirm that:
- you own the image, or have permission to share it
- you consent to its use as reference material for this project
- you understand the conditions of anonymity, exhibition, and sale described above
If you’re comfortable with these terms and would like to take part, email me at robyn@robynrich.com with your image attached. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to ask before deciding.
Warm regards,
Robyn
Frequently asked questions
- Can anyone submit a photo?
- Yes — anyone, anywhere in the world.
- I’ve taken part in one of your projects before. Can I submit again?
- Yes, you can.
- Does it cost anything to submit?
- No, nothing at all.
- If my eye is included, am I expected to buy the painting?
- The pieces will be offered for sale, but you’re never expected to buy yours.
- Will you send me a photo of the finished painting?
- Yes — I’ll email you photos once your eye is complete.