This work features a series of photographic images that together spell out the phrase “We will no longer be seen and not heard.” Some of the images depict hands forming American Sign Language (ASL), though not all of the signs correspond with the words on the prints. This intentional ambiguity challenges viewers to think critically about representation, accessibility, and who gets to speak in public spaces.

Barbara Kruger is known for using bold text and striking imagery, often taken from advertising, to critique dominant narratives in media and culture. As she has said, “Basically, I want to be effective in making changes in power relations, in social relations.” This work can resonate with the heart of disability justice: the demand to be heard, to be seen, and to be understood on one’s own terms. It is a call not only for recognition, but for agency.

See the full portfolio here. 

Barbara Kruger (American, born 1945), Untitled (We will no longer be seen and not heard). Portfolio of nine color lithographs with screenprinting, 1985. 20 5/8 × 20 5/8 in. (52.4 × 52.4 cm) each. Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1986.72a–i. Not on view. *

Image Description: A color lithograph of a person facing forward and shown from mid-torso to nose, with their eyes and the top of their head cropped out of the image. The person’s right hand is held upright with their index and middle finger pointed upward toward their face, slightly crossed, and their other fingers folded down. The word We is printed in small red text above their outstretched fingers. They wear a white, collared shirt with the top button undone. Their face and body are tinted a medium blue, and the background behind them is mottled gray and black. Four black, evenly spaced horizontal lines are superimposed over the bottom quarter of the image. 

*While our galleries undergo changes in preparation for our reinstallation, you can find this and thousands of other works from the collection online any time.