The practice of cutting silhouette portraits in paper emerged as a popular art form in the late 18th century. Since then, artists have continued to experiment with the silhouette’s stark profile and dramatic contrast of light and dark. In this latest rotation of Re/Framed, on view throughout the Carter’s galleries, explore works that examine the historical roots and powerful contemporary presence of silhouettes in art today.

See works by Ruth Asawa, Richard Misrach, Erwin E. Smith, Kara Walker, and more that capture their subjects in shapes and shadows and encourage viewers to take a second look.

Re/Framed gives visitors to the Carter a new way to look at the Carter’s collection. Several times a year, artwork will be rotated allowing guests to see the works through a different lens. Works that are part of Re/Framed are located throughout the Museum’s collection galleries and can be identified by the window icon on their labels.