siluetointi

Siluetointi is a Finnish term that translates to "silhouetting" in English. It refers to the art of creating an image of a subject in solid black against a lighter background, so that only its outline is visible. The effect emphasizes the form and shape of the subject, often creating a dramatic or artistic impression.

Historically, siluetointi has been used in various art forms. In early portraiture, silhouette portraits were a popular and affordable way to capture a likeness, often cut from black paper or painted with dark ink. The focus is on the profile, with no internal details of the face or clothing being depicted. This technique relies on the distinctive shape of the head and hairstyle to identify the individual.

In photography and graphic design, siluetointi is achieved by backlighting the subject. The light source is placed behind the object, causing it to appear dark against a brightly lit background. This can be used to create striking visuals, highlighting the curves and lines of a landscape, a person, or an object. The lack of detail within the silhouette can invite the viewer to imagine the subject's features or to focus on the pure form. The term can also be applied to the visual effect of seeing the dark shape of something against the sky, such as trees at sunset.