In Wish, Bethel Dute presents a visceral study of childhood interiority. The subject—a young girl captured from a steep, overhead angle—is shielded behind her own hands, a gesture that serves as both a ritual of making a wish and a defensive retreat from the world.

The 'noise' of the background, rendered in abrasive reds, greens, and ochres, feels like a visual representation of external pressure or overwhelming thought. Dute skillfully allows the background textures to permeate the subject’s form, blurring the lines between the individual and their surroundings. The floral motifs on the dress offer a glimpse of innocence, yet they are overshadowed by the heavy, hatched shadows on the girl's arms and hair. Wish is a quiet yet loud exploration of the private moments where hope and anxiety intersect, capturing the heavy burden of a small, hidden desire."