Silhouette
The body rendered as pure form against light. Identity dissolves into shape.
Historical Context
One of the oldest forms of figurative representation, predating photography. In photography, used to achieve maximum abstraction while preserving recognizable human form.
Defining Characteristics
- Backlit subject
- No surface detail visible
- Pure outline and shape
- Maximum abstraction
- Form as the entire subject
Reference Artists
- Man Ray
- Edward Weston
- Herb Ritts
- Kenro Izu
Works in this style
