In this rendition of Kaitlin & John V, part of Pierre Sernet’s Synonyms series, two forms stand side by side, rendered as bold silhouettes that nearly touch but leave a narrow space between them. The black shapes against the stark white background create a visual tension that invites viewers to explore the nature of closeness and separation. By reducing the figures to their essential contours, Sernet removes individual identifiers, allowing the viewer to see these shapes as symbols of connection, intimacy, or even independence.

This gap between the figures adds a subtle narrative element, evoking the dynamic interplay in relationships where closeness and distance often coexist. The composition recalls the works of minimalist sculptors like Henry Moore, where the space around and between forms is as significant as the forms themselves. In this piece, the negative space acts as a silent communicator, representing either a shared boundary or an unspoken connection.

As with other works in the Synonyms series, Kaitlin & John V, encourages viewers to transcend physical details and connect with the universal human themes Sernet explores. By inviting us to project our interpretations onto these abstract figures, he asks us to see past external identities and recognize the shared emotional language that binds us. This piece serves as a reminder that, while each person is unique, our relationships and interactions resonate with a common humanity.