fotorealistisuuden

Fotorealistisuus, often known as photorealism, is an art genre where the artist attempts to reproduce a photograph as realistically as possible in another medium, such as painting or drawing. This artistic movement emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States, with parallel developments in Europe. Photorealist artists meticulously observe their chosen photographic source material, paying close attention to details like light, shadow, texture, and color. The aim is not merely to copy a photograph but to imbue the artwork with a sense of presence and materiality that can sometimes surpass the original photographic image.

The subjects of photorealist works are often everyday scenes and objects, such as urban landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and vehicles. The process typically involves projecting a photograph onto the canvas or paper and then meticulously recreating it using precise brushstrokes or drawing techniques. Artists may use an airbrush to achieve smooth, seamless transitions and a high level of detail. The surface of the artwork is often rendered in such a way that the artist's hand is almost invisible, further emphasizing the illusion of photographic accuracy.

Photorealism can be seen as a reaction against abstract expressionism, which dominated the art world in the preceding decades. By focusing on objective representation, photorealist artists sought to re-engage with the visible world and explore its complexities. The movement has been interpreted in various ways, with some viewing it as a celebration of consumer culture and mass media, while others see it as a critique of the nature of reality and representation in a photographically saturated world. Key figures associated with photorealism include Chuck Close, Richard Estes, and Audrey Flack.