The large-scale silhouette artwork in this room, designed by Sheila Bridges, brings a contemporary touch to a room rooted in traditionalism. (If anyone remembers this feature of Bridges' Harlem home--I think it was in Elle Decor a couple years ago--and still has the issue, please let me know the artwork source!) The piece reminds me of the silhouette work of artist Nathan Abels (read my previous post on Abels here). Shown below are two more of his modern silhouettes; his integration of pattern gives added contrast to the outlined forms.

Untitled by Nathan Abels, acrylic and enamel on panel. Image from Nathan Abels.

Untitled by Nathan Abels, acrylic and enamel on panel. Image from Nathan Abels.

Another way to re-think the traditional silhouette form is to depict subjects other than people. In the April 2007 issue of domino, designer Tom Scheerer created this bar area set up against a wall. Anchoring the vignette is a set of reversed-out pear portraits; the two used together give added graphic impact to the wall. Pictured below Scheerer's design is another favorite pair of "non-people" silhouettes--sketches of vessels by designer Josef Hoffman, which I have posted before. (Read more about these prints here.)

Pear 1 and Pear 2 artwork by Mary Margaret Briggs, available at artaissance.com. Image from domino.

Images from Pomegranate.