fotorealism

Fotorealism is an art movement that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by the highly detailed and precise depiction of subjects, often indistinguishable from high-resolution photographs. Also known as hyperrealism, this style focuses on capturing minute details, textures, and lighting effects to create artworks that appear exceptionally realistic.

The roots of fotorealism lie in photoreceptive techniques, where artists often use photographs as references, sometimes working from grids or projected images to ensure accuracy. The movement was a reaction against abstract and expressive art, emphasizing technical skill, meticulous craftsmanship, and the exploration of perception and reality.

Fotorealist artists employ various mediums, including oil paints, airbrushing, and mixed media, to replicate photographs with high fidelity. The subjects can range from urban landscapes and still lifes to portraits and everyday scenes, emphasizing the mundane as worthy of fine art.

The movement gained prominence through exhibitions, critical analysis, and the work of notable artists such as Chuck Close, Richard Estes, and Audrey Flack. Their work challenged traditional notions of artistic originality and the subjective interpretation of reality.

Critics of fotorealism argue that it can verge on superficial imitation, lacking emotional expression or conceptual depth. However, supporters view it as a demonstration of technical mastery and a method for exploring perception, memory, and the nature of representation.

Fotorealism has influenced a variety of contemporary art practices and has persisted as a significant genre within contemporary realism. Its emphasis on accuracy and detail continues to inspire debates about the boundaries of photography and painting in establishing visual truth.