PHOTO REALISM Meaning and
Definition
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Photorealism is an artistic movement that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by the meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in representing subjects in visual art, particularly through painting and drawing. It aims to create artwork that closely resembles high-resolution photographs, often indistinguishable from reality to the naked eye.
The photo realists employ various techniques such as the use of photographs as direct references, precise application of paint, and extreme attention to minute details like texture, shadows, and reflections. They strive to capture the essence of objects, people, or scenes, replicating every nuance and intricacy, transferring them onto canvas or paper with technical precision.
The movement is influenced by the advent of photography and the fascination it brought with the capturing of reality in a tangible form. Photorealism challenges the traditional notion of artistic representation by pushing the boundaries between the mechanical precision of a camera and the subjective interpretation of an artist. Instead of using photos as mere references, it elevates them to artworks themselves.
The photo realists explore a variety of subjects, from landscapes to everyday objects, portraiture to urban scenes. Through their artworks, they examine the relationship between reality and artifice, provoking viewers to question the very nature of perception and the role of the artist in rendering the world around them.
Etymology of PHOTO REALISM
The term "photorealism" derives from the combination of two words: "photo" and "realism".
1. Photo: The word "photo" is a short form of "photograph", which originates from the Greek roots "phōs" meaning "light" and "graphē" meaning "drawing" or "writing". "Light" refers to the use of light in capturing an image, while "drawing" or "writing" refers to the recording or representation of an object or scene.
2. Realism: "Realism" is derived from the Latin word "realis", meaning "of or pertaining to a thing". Realism as an artistic style dates back to the mid-19th century, focusing on a faithful representation of subjects as they appear in reality, without idealization or exaggerated elements.
