Fotorealistid

Fotorealistid, also known as photorealists, are artists associated with the photorealism movement, which emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This artistic style focuses on creating paintings, drawings, or sculptures that resemble high-resolution photographs with meticulous precision. The primary aim is to reproduce an image as realistically as possible, emphasizing detail, clarity, and lifelike accuracy.

The photorealist technique involves extensive use of photographic sources, often employing grid systems or projectors to transfer detailed images onto canvas or other surfaces. Artists typically work from photographs rather than live models, allowing for careful observation and replication of minute details, textures, and lighting effects. The movement was partly a reaction against abstract expressionism and emphasized technical skill and representational accuracy.

Prominent figures in photorealism include Chuck Close, Richard Estes, Audrey Flack, and Ralph Goings, among others. Their works often depict urban scenes, still lifes, and portraits, showcasing a fascination with modern life and the mundane details of everyday objects. Photorealism has influenced various fields, including advertising, commercial art, and digital imaging, due to its emphasis on realism and detail.

While initially controversial for its emphasis on technical skill over artistic emotion, photorealism has since been recognized for its contribution to contemporary realism and its exploration of perception, memory, and the nature of visual representation. The movement continues to inspire artists working with hyper-realistic techniques across various mediums.