Hyperrealism is an art movement that emerged in the late 1960s, characterized by its incredibly detailed, lifelike depictions of everyday objects and scenes. This movement has gained immense popularity over the years and is considered one of the most influential and successful art movements of the twentieth century.
Hyperrealist artworks have been described as being “beyond” realism and photorealism, since they strive to create a more realistic representation of reality than is possible with traditional painting techniques. The term “hyperrealism” was first coined by art critic and curator Louis K. Meisel in a 1974 essay. Meisel described hyperrealism as an art form that “combines the illusionistic power of painting with the realist’s concern for accuracy.”
Hyperrealism is often associated with photorealism, a style of painting that attempts to recreate a photograph’s level of detail. Photorealism uses photography as a source material, while hyperrealism is more concerned with creating a painting or sculpture that captures the essence of a subject without necessarily relying on photographic reference.
Hyperrealist artworks often feature a combination of techniques, such as airbrushing and digital manipulation, to create incredibly lifelike images. The artworks themselves often focus on mundane everyday scenes, such as people in grocery stores or children playing in a park. By creating such detailed and lifelike representations of everyday life, hyperrealists are able to capture the subtleties of the mundane and elevate them to something more meaningful and beautiful.
Hyperrealism was popularized by artists such as Chuck Close, Audrey Flack, and John Salt, who have all been credited with helping to define and shape the movement. Close and Flack both used airbrushing to create their hyperrealist works, while Salt employed a combination of airbrush, acrylic, and oil paints to create his detailed, lifelike works.
Hyperrealist artworks are often highly sought-after by collectors, due to the incredible level of detail and realism they possess. Many of these artworks have sold for millions of dollars and have become some of the most valuable pieces of artwork in the world.
Hyperrealism has had an enormous influence on the art world, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore the boundaries of realism and create works that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant. The movement has also helped to redefine what is considered “art” and has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with traditional painting techniques.
In conclusion, Hyperrealism is an influential and successful art movement that has captivated viewers and collectors alike. The movement’s incredible level of detail and realism has made it one of the most popular and sought-after art forms of the twentieth century.