Alex Katz's Cutouts series is a pivotal part of his artistic exploration, merging the realms of painting and sculpture to create something truly unique. Beginning by chance in 1959, when Katz decided to cut out a central figure from one of his paintings to remove an unsatisfactory background, this series evolved significantly over the years. Initially, these cutouts were mounted on plywood panels and displayed on walls, but they later transformed into freestanding 'picture sculptures' painted directly on metal, meticulously carved out with a power saw​ (Timothy Taylor)​.

These works stand out for their schematic, simplified forms that strip down figures to their essential visual elements, embodying Katz's pursuit of capturing moments in present tense and freezing them into a form of timeless abstraction. This artistic approach has enabled Katz to delve deeper into the exploration of the relationship between figure and background, or the surrounding space, an interest that dates back to his earlier works in the 1950s​ (The Art Story)​.

The Cutouts have been displayed in various exhibitions, providing insight into Katz's inner world through portraits of his closest family members, including multiple representations of his wife and lifelong muse, Ada del Moro Katz, as well as his son, Vincent Katz. These exhibitions not only showcase the technical mastery and creative innovation behind Katz's cutouts but also highlight their role in blurring the lines between different artistic mediums​ (Timothy Taylor)​.

Throughout his career, Katz has received widespread recognition for his contributions to contemporary art, including his groundbreaking work with the Cutouts series. His ability to create a dynamic interplay between painting and sculpture through these works demonstrates his enduring influence and the timeless relevance of his artistic vision​ (Wikipedia)​.