In Paul & Wei I, part of Pierre Sernet's Synonyms series, the figures are presented not as distinct individuals but as shadows—soft, ambiguous forms that hint at bodies without revealing explicit detail. By reducing each figure to its silhouette, Sernet removes individualistic markers of identity such as facial features, clothing, or expressions, asking viewers to engage with the figures as universal forms rather than specific people. The use of black and white contrast accentuates this effect, creating an image that is both stark and open to interpretation.

Sernet’s approach invites comparisons to both ancient and modern artistic traditions, from Greek black-figure pottery to the silhouette work of Kara Walker, yet he brings his unique vision by focusing on shadow as a metaphor for shared human experience. Without knowing the background, sex, or nationality of Synonyms - Paul & Wei I, viewers are encouraged to see them as “synonyms”—interchangeable human figures connected by shared experiences of intimacy, emotion, and vulnerability.

The piece operates almost like a Rorschach test, where the viewer’s interpretation is shaped by their own biases, cultural background, and preconceptions. This interaction between the viewer’s perceptions and the silhouettes on the paper underscores Sernet’s philosophy: by erasing outward distinctions, he allows the human form to become a mirror, inviting us to see ourselves and recognize our commonalities with others, transcending divisions of identity.