1. Photorealism
By Alex Hanton, Bridgette Rowe, and
Sam Mihalic

2. What is Photorealism?
• Photorealism is a type of extremely detailed
painting made to look like a photograph that
usually depicts man-made scenes and objects.
• Postmodern

3. What is Photorealism? Cont.
• The intention of photorealism is to reflect on
the nature of reality.
– This is done by artists adding their own details and
creating a picture that isn’t what the scene
actually looked like.
• The urban subject matter usually feels shallow
and empty; taunts superficiality.
• Critics think differently.

5. What is Photorealism? Cont.
• There are various other names for
photorealism. Some of them have slightly
differing meanings.
– Hyperrealism: expresses detail that surpasses the
ability of a camera to capture. Changes the
viewer’s perception of reality.
– Superrealism
– Sharp Focus Realism
• Not to be confused with Nouveau Réalisme, a
French movement.

7. Historical Context for Photorealism
• Similar to that of Pop Art.
• America has increasing media, advertising,
and city life.
– Taunts materialism and shallowness of modern
times.
• Nostalgic over the way things used to be;
small town life.

8. Origins of Photorealism
• Since cameras are used in the making of
photorealism, high quality cameras made it
possible.
• Reaction to abstract expressionism and
minimalism.
– Maintained the detachment of minimalism.
• Many similarities to pop art; however, was not
as taunting.

10. Method/Technique
• Photorealist artists almost always used a
photo/photos to make their painting.
– Most used multiple photos of the same thing; they
chose different aspects from each photo to create an
altered reality.
• Gridding is common
• Artists differ in the speed it takes them to create
their art and the exact methods they use.
• Trompe-l'œil

12. Chuck Close
• 1940-present
• Very different from other photorealists because
he always uses the same subject matter, but
differs in his style of painting.
– His style has evolved through several unique phases.
• Uses gridding entirely.
• Paints only people; self portraits and friends.
• Originally painted abstractly and has now broken
from photorealism.

13. Chuck Close Cont.
Stage 1: Big Self-Portrait, 1968

14. Chuck Close Cont.
Stage 2: Linda, 1975

15. Chuck Close Cont.
Stage 3: Self-Portrait 1997

16. Richard Estes
• 1932-present
• Most well known of the photorealists.
• Not very innovative, but very talented.
• Believes realism demonstrates craft; dismisses
abstract art.
• Works very quickly with heavy, unblended
brush strokes.
• Cares little for critics.

17. Richard Estes Cont.
Telephone Booth, 1967

18. Richard Estes Cont.
Lee, 1974

19. Richard Estes Cont.
Cafeteria, 1970

20. Don Eddy
• 1944-present
• Originally a pioneer in photorealism, now
works in metaphysic art.
• Usually paints cars and other urban subjects.
• His paintings, especially recent ones, are very
complex.
• Sometimes uses airbrushes and dots like
Close.

21. Eddy Cont.
Volkswagen and OK Used Cars, 1971

22. Eddy Cont.
Summer Shoes, 1972

23. Eddy Cont.
Bananas, Apples, Avocados, and Tomatoes, 1973

24. Ralph Goings
• 1928-present
• One of the original photorealists, but differs
from the others by using only one photo.
– This makes his photo exactly lifelike.
– Shows there’s “beauty in the mundane.”
• Paints classic American scenes to create
nostalgia.
• Ordinary objects have meaning.

25. Ralph Goings Cont.
Red Napkin Holder, 1981

26. Ralph Goings Cont.
Shanna’s Pickup, 1990

27. Ralph Goings Cont.
Donut 1995

28. Duane Hanson
• 1925-1996
• Not technically a photorealist since he was a
sculptor; made extremely realistic sculptures.
• Most portray middle class Americans and
seem humorous at first; all have a deeper
meaning.
• Uses materials like bronze and fiberglass.
• Watches live models in his studio to sculpt
them.

29. Duane Hanson Cont.
Young Shopper 1973

30. Duane Hanson Cont.
Queenie, 1980; Queenie II, 1988

31. Duane Hanson Cont.
Tourist II, 1988

32. Duane Hanson Cont.
Man on a Bench 1997

33. Sandy Skoglund
• She takes everyday scenes and adds
abnormalities. (usually animals)
• She mixed her interest in pop culture and
commercial picture making strategies.
• She is also an installation artist. (2 months per
setup)
• She uses monochromatic or contrasting color
schemes

34. Sandy Skoglund Cont.
Revenge of The Goldfish
· Made in 1981

35. Sandy Skoglund Cont.
Cats in Paris
· Made in 1993

36. Reactions and Criticisms
• Very well liked by the public and critics.
• Some say the art lacks and lasting significance;
it’s visually appealing but the meaning is difficult
to see.
• Boring, superficial subject matter.
• Extreme detail is interesting, but sometimes hard
to look at.
• Different from many other modern art
movements because of it’s similarity to real life.