Who is a Photorealist and WHAT is Photorealism?

Here, we offer a brief, yet informative discussion of the history from beginning to present of photorealism, and how it relates to, yet stands aside from what art has seemingly become in the age of PC, MC, agenda-based, advisor/investment-centered, prestige and status-centered art activity.

Photorealism is an art movement that began in the late 1960s. It is characterized by paintings that closely resemble photographs. Photorealists use a variety of techniques to achieve their goal, including airbrushing, painting from photographs, and using photometric devices. While photorealism shares some similarities with traditional painting, it is ultimately distinguished by its use of technology and its focus on the accurate reproduction of reality. While photorealism is often associated with hyper-realistic depictions of ordinary objects, some photorealist painters also create dramatic and even surreal scenes. Regardless of their approach, photorealist painters strive to create paintings that are as lifelike as possible.

Photorealists were reacting against the abstract expressionism that had dominated the art world in the previous decade. They believed that art should look like reality, and they set out to create paintings that were indistinguishable from photographs. Today, photorealism remains a popular style of painting, and photorealist artists are highly sought-after by collectors. Many photorealist paintings have sold for millions of dollars at auction.

Louis Meisel Shares His Expertise

Louis K. Meisel, President and Director of Louis K. Meisel Gallery, will share his expertise and experience on:

• what photorealism is
• why the words, Beauty, Quality, Skill, and Discipline STILL MATTER
• why one should STILL acquire art because one LIKES TO LOOK AT IT!

Handout: Photorealism - Louis Meisel

Article: The Endlessly Curious Louis Meisel

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Speakers

Louis Meisel

Louis K. Meisel is President and Director of Louis K. Meisel Gallery, 141 Prince Street, New York. He is responsible for all phases of gallery operation, including buying, selling, promoting, advertising, and managing art and artists.
From 1967 to the present he has organized hundreds of exhibitions, which have traveled with accompanying catalogues to major universities and museums...

Meet the Expert