Hyperrealist

Hyperrealist is a term used to describe an artist who works in hyperrealism, a style of art characterized by meticulously detailed imagery that closely mimics high-resolution photography. A hyperrealist painting or sculpture often reveals textures, lighting, and micro-details that surpass what is usually seen in everyday perception. The term also describes the body of work produced in this mode and the artists who practice it.

Origins and relationship to photorealism: Hyperrealism emerged from photorealism in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Photorealists sought to reproduce photographs with precise, camera-like accuracy. Hyperrealists extend that practice by emphasizing narrative content, emotional intensity, or social commentary, and by using staged scenes, deliberate manipulation of imagery, and enhanced textures to intensify the sense of reality.

Media and techniques: Hyperrealists work across painting and sculpture. Painters typically use oil or acrylic on canvas, employing careful underpainting, glazing, and extensive photo-reference work. Sculptors use materials such as silicone, resin, wax, and fiberglass to achieve skin-like surfaces and tactile precision. Practitioners may incorporate digital imaging, photography, or 3D planning in the preparation stages, while the final work emphasizes visual impact and realism beyond mere replication.

Notable practitioners: In sculpture, Ron Mueck is widely cited as a leading hyperrealist. In painting, Italian artist Roberto Bernardi is recognized for hyperrealist still lifes and figurative work. The field includes a range of artists who apply similar techniques to ordinary or staged subjects.

Reception and themes: Critics recognize technical virtuosity but debate whether hyperrealism constitutes a distinct movement or a continuation of photorealism. Hyperrealist works often engage with consumer culture, media imagery, memory, and the uncanny, inviting viewers to scrutinize the boundary between appearance and reality.