Photorealism is a type of art that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a reaction against the abstract and conceptual art movements. It is a style of painting or drawing that aims to create an exact and realistic representation of a subject, often with the use of photographs as a reference.

The term Photorealism was coined by Louis K. Meisel in 1969 and it quickly gained popularity among artists and art critics. This movement was influenced by the advancements in photography and the rise of commercial photography in the 1960s, which made it easier and more accessible for artists to use photographs as a basis for their artworks.

Unlike other realistic art forms, such as Realism or Naturalism, Photorealism does not strive to make a statement or reflect a social or political commentary. Instead, it focuses on capturing every detail and aspect of a subject, no matter how mundane or ordinary it may seem. This attention to detail is what makes Photorealism stand out and adds to its appeal.

To achieve such a high level of accuracy, Photorealistic artists use a variety of techniques, such as grid systems, projectors, and tracing paper. These tools allow them to transfer the image from a photograph onto their canvas or paper with great precision. The end result is an artwork that looks almost identical to a photograph.

One of the most famous Photorealists is Chuck Close, who is known for his large-scale photorealistic portraits. Close’s process involves taking multiple photographs of his subjects and then creating a grid on the canvas to reproduce the image. He then painstakingly paints each grid square, resulting in a hyper-realistic and highly detailed portrait that captivates the viewer.

Another prominent figure in the Photorealist movement is Richard Estes, who is known for his paintings of urban landscapes and cityscapes. Estes also uses photographs as a reference, but he takes it a step further by using multiple images and manipulating them to create a composite and more interesting composition.

While Photorealism is often associated with painting, it can also be seen in other art forms such as sculpture, printmaking, and even filmmaking. The 1970s saw the rise of Photorealistic sculptures, with artists like Duane Hanson creating lifelike human figures that often left viewers questioning their own reality. In film, directors like Richard Linklater and David Fincher have used digital technology to create films that blur the lines between reality and fiction.

Many critics have debated the value and importance of Photorealism in the art world. Some argue that it is merely a copy of reality, lacking originality and creativity. However, others see it as a form of technical mastery and a commentary on our image-saturated society.

Despite the debate, there is no denying the skill and technique required to create a successful Photorealistic artwork. It requires a high level of patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of light, color, and perspective.

In conclusion, Photorealism is a type of art that strives for extreme accuracy and realism in its depiction of a subject. It emerged in the late 1960s as a reaction against abstract and conceptual art and continues to captivate and challenge viewers to this day. Whether you appreciate it or not, Photorealism remains an important and influential movement in the art world.