Photorealism

Photorealism is a genre of art that strives to create paintings or drawings that appear as photographically realistic as possible. The goal is to mimic the detail, precision, and visual impact of a photograph, often achieving a high degree of illusionistic realism. It involves meticulous observation and rendering techniques, often employing techniques such as airbrushing or projecting photographs onto canvases for precise outlines. Photorealism is a modern movement that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, reacting in some ways to the perceived abstract nature of much previous contemporary art. Artists working in this style are known for their dedication to replicating the textures, colours, and light effects captured by a camera.

Photorealism meaning with examples

• The artist's 'Cityscape' was a stunning example of Photorealism. Each brick of the buildings, every glint of sunlight on the windows, and every detail of the traffic was rendered with breathtaking accuracy. Viewers often found themselves squinting, unsure whether they were looking at a painting or a high-resolution photograph.
• Creating the photorealistic image of the still life, with its carefully positioned fruits and glistening silverware, took the artist months of painstaking work. The subtle play of light and shadow on each object was meticulously crafted, demonstrating the artist's mastery of the Photorealism style.
• The gallery exhibition featured a compelling collection of Photorealistic portraits. The artists captured every pore, every eyelash, and every nuance of expression in their subjects, resulting in images of striking visual impact that blurred the line between painting and photography.
• The technical skill required to produce Photorealism is demanding. The artists often begin with photographic source materials. Some examples involve using a projector to transfer the image or employing masking techniques to control the rendering of complex shapes and colours.