PHOTO REALISM by NIK MUHAMMAD ARIEF NIK ZAIDI

Late 1960s/Early 1970s

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Photorealism developed as a reaction against abstract expressionism and minimalism. It evolved from the hyper-realism movement and was influenced by the growing prominence of photography in the visual arts.

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It arose in both the United States and Europe, often coinciding with the rise of Pop Art and the desire to depict familiar, everyday subjects with intense precision.

PHOTOREALISM

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Photorealism is an art movement that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by its goal to replicate the look of a high-resolution photograph. Artists working in this style strive to create paintings or drawings that are so detailed and precise that they closely resemble a photograph, often focusing on the minute details of light, texture, and reflections.

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Artists typically use photographs as the primary reference to replicate the image in paint or other media, but with greater attention to detail and accuracy.

Common tools include airbrushes, fine brushes, and grid techniques (to scale up or down photographs onto the canvas).

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The process often involves layering and blending to capture textures, light reflections, and intricate details, such as the shine on glass or the texture of skin.

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Photorealist artists often choose subjects from everyday life, such as cars, people, cityscapes, objects, food, and nature.

The focus is on the depiction of ordinary things, but with a heightened level of realism that invites viewers to appreciate the finer details of the world around them.

It is not unusual to see artists focusing on the mundane or overlooked aspects of daily life, such as reflections in windows or patterns in the skin of fruits.

Chuck Close

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Known for his massive-scale portraits, Close's work often involved hyper-detailed, almost photographic representations of people, especially his own self-portraits.

Richard Estes

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Considered one of the pioneers of photorealism, Estes is famous for his cityscapes and reflections captured in urban environments.

Ralph Goings

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His works often depicted fast-food restaurants, diners, and cars, creating a sharp, vibrant snapshot of American culture.

Audrey Flack

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An artist who worked in both realism and photorealism, often focusing on still life and portraits.

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While photorealism’s primary goal is technical mastery, it also often incorporates a sense of visual fascination, inviting viewers to examine the world in greater detail.

Some artists have used photorealism to raise questions about the nature of reality, representation, and the role of photography in art.

The movement is seen by some as a reaction against more abstract and conceptual art movements, aiming to bring back a focus on realism and craftsmanship.

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Photorealism has influenced digital art, especially in the creation of CGI (computer-generated imagery), where artists now use advanced technology to create lifelike representations in film, video games, and advertising.

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Many contemporary artists continue to work in the photorealist style, blending traditional techniques with modern tools.

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Some critics view photorealism as unoriginal, arguing that it lacks the emotional depth or creative interpretation found in more abstract or expressive art forms.

Others admire the technical skill involved in achieving the meticulous level of detail that defines the movement, seeing it as a valid expression of creativity.

In summary

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photorealism is all about creating works of art that mimic the sharp, detailed, and lifelike qualities of photographs, often with a focus on capturing the beauty and intricacy of ordinary life.