# Simple Cutout Collages Paul Butler's 'What's Within' Series Centers Around a Void Port By Meghan Young | Published 2011-05-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/what-s-within References: [todayandtomorrow.net](http://www.todayandtomorrow.net/2011/05/23/within-us/) & [theotherpaulbutler](http://www.theotherpaulbutler.com/?page_id=75) Although collages are often considered complicated, the 'What’s Within' series is everything but that. Instead, there is a simplicity behind each of these particular collages that actually makes each one truly intriguing. Created by Paul Butler, the 'What’s Within' collage series centers around [portraits of people](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1) who have actually been cut out of each photograph. The void space left is partly filled by another shot of the same scenery. The pieces, paired with the series title 'What’s Within,' really makes one question the [idea of identity and self-discovery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragments). Overall, this series of works is surely unique and creative, making the viewer thoroughly think about its meaning. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Simplicity in Art:** There is an opportunity to create art that is simple, yet intriguing. - **Identity Exploration:** There is an opportunity to explore the theme of identity and self-discovery in creative ways. - **Collage Art Reinvention:** There is an opportunity to reinvent collage art and create unique and creative pieces. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fine Art:** There is an opportunity for artists to create accessible and intriguing art that doesn't require a complex or expensive production process. - **Photography:** There is an opportunity for photographers to experiment with new and creative techniques for portrait and landscape photography. - **Publishing:** There is an opportunity for publishers to include simple and thought-provoking art in their publications. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Abstract Geometric Solo Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/impermanent-state-of-being.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Brain-Like Labyrinths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brash-collective.md) - [Paper Curvature Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-curves.md) - [Milled Three-Dimensional Puzzle Vases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ceramic-bodies.md) - [Sculptural Paper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmenti.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md)