photorealisme

Photorealism is an art movement that began in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Artists working in this style aim to reproduce photographs as accurately as possible in their paintings and drawings. This often involves meticulous attention to detail, texture, and the way light falls on surfaces. The subject matter typically includes everyday objects, urban landscapes, and portraits, mirroring the kinds of scenes captured by cameras. The goal is not to create a romanticized or idealized version of reality, but to present a direct, unvarnished depiction.

The technique of photorealism often involves projecting a photographic image onto the canvas and then meticulously tracing and filling it in with paint. Artists may use an airbrush to achieve smooth, even tones and to replicate the precise gradations of color found in a photograph. Despite the seemingly mechanical process, photorealist artists imbue their work with a sense of presence and depth. The emphasis is on the act of seeing and the fidelity of reproduction, challenging traditional notions of artistic skill and expression. The movement emerged as a reaction against abstract expressionism and minimalism, seeking to re-engage with representational imagery.