Photorealistic
Definition
This term refers to artworks, particularly paintings and drawings, that are created to resemble photographs with a high degree of realism and detail. Photorealism emerged as a movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where artists used photographic references to create works that are almost indistinguishable from actual photographs, often exploring themes of reality, illusion, and the nature of representation.
History
Photorealism emerged as a response to the abstraction and conceptualism of the 1960s, with artists seeking to return to traditional techniques of representation while also engaging with the mechanical reproduction of images. The movement often explores the tension between reality and illusion, questioning the nature of perception and the role of photography in contemporary culture.
Notable Examples
Chuck Close
Mark, 1979
Key Artists & Movements
Key figures include Chuck Close, known for his large-scale, highly detailed portraits based on photographs, and Richard Estes, whose urban landscapes capture the reflective surfaces and intricate details of city life with photographic precision.
Techniques & Materials
Techniques involve the use of photographs as reference material, with artists often projecting the image onto the canvas or using a grid system to transfer the details with precision. Artists may use fine brushes, airbrushing, and layering techniques to achieve the smooth, detailed finish characteristic of photorealistic works. The focus is on capturing the exact textures, reflections, and nuances of light found in the photographic source, creating works that challenge the viewer's perception of reality and the boundaries between painting and photography.
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