Be part of this new project
Thank you for your interest in my project
‘The Seen'
'The Seen' is a year long project of approximately one hundred small paintings of eyes, created in oil on found objects such as tins, spoons, and vessels. The project draws quietly from the history of Georgian lover's eyes and considers anonymity, presence, and collective visibility.
Eyes from around the world are already part of this project, and I'd love to include yours.
The completed work will be exhibited at Hidell Brooks Gallery @hidellbrooks, Charlotte, North Carolina, in March 2027.
How to participate (the short version)
Email a high-resolution photo of your eye (or a photo of your face) to robyn@robynrich.com
I'll reply to confirm I've received it.
That's it — the full details are below if you'd like to read them.
About the images
You're welcome to send either:
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 only as reference material for the paintings. The photos themselves will not be exhibited, published, or sold.
Image quality
Clear detail in the iris is what makes these paintings possible, so image quality matters.
A high-resolution image, not a screenshot.
Natural light is best — soft window light works beautifully.
The eye in clear focus, with the iris and surrounding area visible.
Minimal or no filters, editing, or heavy makeup.
Phone cameras are absolutely fine, provided the image is 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, please feel free to ask before sending.
Anonymity
All finished works are anonymous. No names or identifying information will appear alongside the paintings in the exhibition, in sales material, or in promotion.
Exhibition and sales
The finished paintings will be exhibited and offered for sale individually through the gallery. If you'd like to purchase the painting of your eye, you're welcome to contact the gallery directly.
The finished paintings remain my artworks, and any sales are handled through Hidell Brooks Gallery.
How your image is handled
Your image is treated privately and with care. It's used only as reference material during the painting process and will not be shared with third parties. Images are kept for the duration of the project and may be deleted once it's complete.
By sending an image, you're confirming that:
the image is yours, or you have permission to share it
you're happy for it to be used as reference material for this project
you understand the conditions of anonymity, exhibition, and sale described above
Ready to take part?
Send your image to robyn@robynrich.com — I'd love to hear from you.
If you have any questions first, you're very welcome to ask.
Warm regards, Robyn
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone submit a photo? Yes — anyone, anywhere in the world.
I've been part of one of your projects before. Can I submit again? Yes, absolutely.
Does it cost anything to submit? No, nothing at all.
If my eye is chosen, am I expected to purchase the painting? The paintings will be offered for sale, but there's no expectation for you to buy it.