Tabu is a charcoal drawing by Lee Wilde that invites viewers into a quiet storm of duality. At first glance, it’s a serene portrait of a woman with flowing hair and closed eyes. But look again—and a second face emerges, hidden in the shadows, whispering of memory, secrecy, and the unseen. This piece is part of Wilde’s emotionally realist series, where visual storytelling meets poetic depth.
Emotional Realism Meets Optical Illusion
Wilde’s signature style—emotional realism—takes on a surreal twist in Tabu. The drawing plays with perception, layering two identities within a single form. It’s a meditation on intimacy, grief, and the stories we carry beneath the surface.
Charcoal Technique and Noir Undertones
Rendered in rich charcoal on archival paper, Tabu balances softness and contrast with cinematic precision. The noir palette evokes old photographs and dream sequences, making it ideal for moody interiors and contemplative spaces.
Curatorial Impact and Decorator Appeal
Whether hung solo or paired with Wilde’s other works, Tabu commands attention. Its emotional depth and visual intrigue make it a powerful focal point in living rooms, studios, or gallery walls. Interior decorators will appreciate its ability to anchor a space with quiet drama.
Artist Statement
“I drew Tabu in a moment of layered grief—when memory felt like a double exposure. The woman is real. The man is memory. Together, they hold the tension of what’s lost and what remains.” — Lee Wilde
Tabu is more than a drawing—it’s a threshold. A place where beauty and sorrow coexist, where the viewer becomes part of the story. For collectors seeking emotional resonance and visual sophistication, this piece offers both.
- Explore the Emotional Realism collection
Your print is produced through Gelato, who work with industry‑leading print partners in 14 countries. This means your order is printed as close to your location as possible, reducing both shipping time and environmental impact. Each piece is made to order, handled with care, and packaged securely to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
Delivery times vary depending on your region, but most orders are fulfilled and dispatched within a few days. You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your print is on its way. If you’re purchasing from overseas, Gelato’s global network helps minimise delays and customs interruptions, giving you a smoother, more reliable delivery experience.
Each print is produced through Gelato’s network of industry‑leading print facilities, using archival‑grade papers and professional inks chosen for clarity, depth, and longevity. The exact materials may vary slightly depending on your region, as Gelato partners with trusted local printers in 14 countries to ensure the highest possible quality close to home.
Your artwork is printed to order, allowing every piece to be freshly produced rather than pulled from storage. This approach preserves tonal accuracy, fine detail, and the subtle textures that define my charcoal‑based work. Every print is handled with care from production to packaging, so the materials you receive reflect the integrity of the original drawing.
Each print is made to order through Gelato’s global network, so returns are limited to situations where an item arrives damaged, defective, or significantly different from what you expected. If that happens, simply send a brief note with photos and I’ll arrange a prompt replacement through Gelato. My priority is to ensure you receive the artwork you intended in perfect condition, and I’m always here to help if something isn’t right.
Tabu – Charcoal Illusion Canvas Print
- Regular price
- $90.78 AUD
- Sale price
- $90.78 AUD
- Regular price
-
Your print is produced through Gelato, who work with industry‑leading print partners in 14 countries. This means your order is printed as close to your location as possible, reducing both shipping time and environmental impact. Each piece is made to order, handled with care, and packaged securely to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
Delivery times vary depending on your region, but most orders are fulfilled and dispatched within a few days. You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your print is on its way. If you’re purchasing from overseas, Gelato’s global network helps minimise delays and customs interruptions, giving you a smoother, more reliable delivery experience.
Each print is produced through Gelato’s network of industry‑leading print facilities, using archival‑grade papers and professional inks chosen for clarity, depth, and longevity. The exact materials may vary slightly depending on your region, as Gelato partners with trusted local printers in 14 countries to ensure the highest possible quality close to home.
Your artwork is printed to order, allowing every piece to be freshly produced rather than pulled from storage. This approach preserves tonal accuracy, fine detail, and the subtle textures that define my charcoal‑based work. Every print is handled with care from production to packaging, so the materials you receive reflect the integrity of the original drawing.
Each print is made to order through Gelato’s global network, so returns are limited to situations where an item arrives damaged, defective, or significantly different from what you expected. If that happens, simply send a brief note with photos and I’ll arrange a prompt replacement through Gelato. My priority is to ensure you receive the artwork you intended in perfect condition, and I’m always here to help if something isn’t right.