photorealist

Photorealism is an art movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by its use of photographic techniques and styles to create highly realistic paintings. The movement was a reaction against the abstract expressionism that dominated the art world in the 1950s. Photorealist artists sought to challenge the notion that art must be abstract or representational, and instead, they focused on the technical aspects of photography, such as lighting, composition, and color.

The term "photorealism" was coined by the art critic Robert Hughes in 1968. The movement's founders included artists such as Richard Estes, Chuck Close, and Robert Bechtle. These artists used a variety of techniques to achieve their photorealistic style, including the use of photographs as reference material, the use of airbrushing and other painting techniques to create a smooth, photographic surface, and the use of color to create a sense of depth and realism.

Photorealism was a controversial movement, with some critics arguing that it was a form of art forgery, while others praised it for its technical skill and innovation. Despite the controversy, photorealism had a significant impact on the art world, influencing later movements such as hyperrealism and digital art. Today, photorealism is recognized as an important movement in the history of art, and its artists are celebrated for their technical skill and innovation.