Words We Never Said

Description

The artwork “Words We Never Said” by Salaam Muhammad depicts a young Black woman, her eyes filled with tears, gazing directly at the viewer. Her expression conveys deep emotion, and her hand partially covers her mouth, symbolizing silenced voices. Written across her hand, arms, and chest are a mix of negative and positive words and phrases, such as “Angry,” “Failure,” and “Abused,” alongside affirmations like “Innocent Child of God” and scripture references, evoking themes of identity, inner conflict, and resilience.

The background is an abstract glow of warm golden hues emphasizing her face and contrasting with the darker, muted tones framing her hair and attire. This lighting effect highlights the central focus on her humanity and struggle. The textured brushstrokes add depth, while the words on her skin seem raw and intimate, making the viewer confront the unspoken burdens and strengths carried within.