Sheet 7 of figures for Chinese shadow puppets 1859

This is 'Sheet 7 of figures for Chinese shadow puppets' by Juan Llorens, created around the 1800s. Look at how Llorens uses stark contrasts of black silhouettes against the white paper to create a world of characters for shadow play. The arrangement of figures is in a grid-like composition, yet each character is dynamic and full of potential narratives. Consider the use of line and shape. The figures are defined by bold outlines, yet within these boundaries, intricate details emerge. The artist captures the essence of each character through the play of positive and negative space, inviting you to engage with the figures. The silhouettes perform cultural work by negotiating the boundaries between appearance and reality, presence and absence. They evoke a sense of mystery, reflecting the power of shadows to transform familiar forms into fantastical figures. By challenging our perception, Llorens prompts us to reflect on how we interpret form and meaning.