The Difficult Distinction between Realism and Hyperrealism in Art

Realism: History, Characteristics, and Major Figures

Realism originated in France in the mid-19th century as a response to the idealizations of Romanticism. This movement aimed to depict everyday reality without embellishments, focusing on common subjects and scenes of ordinary life. Realist works are characterized by their attention to detail, use of natural light, and authentic portrayal of society.

This movement emerged amidst profound social and economic transformations around 1840. The Industrial Revolution and urbanization were radically altering people's lives. In response to these changes, Realist artists moved away from the heroic themes and idyllic landscapes of Romanticism, instead concentrating on the everyday life of the era. But wait, where did this evolution of figurative art take place? France, with its cultural effervescence and evolving social dynamics, was the fertile ground for the birth of the movement!

Now, it's time to clarify the distinctive features that set Realist works apart in the artistic panorama: firstly, faithful representation of reality is a central element. Realist artists aimed to capture the world as it is, avoiding filters, idealizations, or embellishments. This approach led them to choose everyday themes, such as common life scenes, work situations, conditions of poverty, and ordinary moments, which they depicted with strong emotional and social charge, aiming to offer viewers an authentic and often critical glimpse of society at the time.

Additionally, another distinctive characteristic of Realism is its meticulous attention to detail and precision: artists of this movement carefully observed what lay before their eyes, dedicating great care to the representation of details, from distinctive landscape features to peculiarities of the human face. This was all done to confer a high degree of realism to the artwork.

Moreover, the use of natural light was fundamental for Realist artists. This not only added authenticity to the depicted scenes but also contributed to creating depth and truthfulness in compositions, emphasizing the three-dimensionality and solidity of the painted subjects. Through all these aforementioned characteristics, Realism marked an important chapter in art history, presenting itself as a movement that reflected and critiqued the reality of the time, using a highly direct and engaging visual language.

Turning now to the prominent figures of the movement, Gustave Courbet has often been considered the father of Realism, as he challenged the artistic conventions of his time with works such as "The Painter's Studio" and "A Burial at Ornans". In these detailed, emotionally intense, and everyday compositions, his perspective broke with the idealizing traditions of the past, elevating common life to a subject worthy of artistic consideration.

Simultaneously, Jean-François Millet brought the lives of peasants onto canvas, infusing his paintings with a sense of dignity and realism regarding this social class. Works such as "The Angelus" and "The Gleaners" not only show the harshness of rural labor but also express the deep connection between these individuals and the land. Millet, with his empathetic gaze and soft brushstrokes, illuminated the lives of agricultural workers, offering a respectful and humanized view of their world.

In a different urban and social context, Honoré Daumier used art as a tool for critique and reflection on the injustices of his time. Through his incisive caricatures and works like "Rue Transnonain", Daumier highlighted the inequalities and contradictions of society. His satirical and direct style made his works powerful visual commentaries on social and political conditions, forcefully bringing forward the voice of underrepresented classes.

Curiosities

Now that I've covered what you can commonly read in books and on the web, did you think it was over? Do you think I'm content just writing what you can find everywhere? No, my dear connoisseur! I want to amaze you with 'special effects'! Get your popcorn ready, because the show of lesser-known facts, reserved for true enthusiasts like you, is about to begin. Here are three curiosities that will make you see Realism in a completely new light!

• Scandal and Controversy

Imagine the scene: Paris, mid-19th century. An elegant and well-to-do audience gathers in an exhibition hall, eagerly awaiting to see the latest works. The tension is palpable. Suddenly, Gustave Courbet's "A Burial at Ornans" is unveiled. Eyes widen, mouths open in a mix of astonishment and horror. Some cover their eyes, unable to bear the sight of such an ordinary and stark event. Others cry, moved by the brutal and undeniable reality depicted on the canvas. A gentleman with a top hat points at the painting with a scandalized look, while a lady with a decorated hat exclaims, "Too ordinary!"

This scene, based on real events but enhanced with my imagination, illustrates an episode from an era when paintings of saints and mythologies were the norm, yet the representation of a simple village funeral was a true gut punch. Courbet indeed proved ready to challenge conventions, bringing a piece of truth into the art world.

• Influence on Photography

Want another twist? Are you ready? Imagine capturing this moment of anticipation with a camera, because we're talking about photography itself. In fact, photography was not only influenced by Realism but also became a source of inspiration for the movement!

Realist artists, fascinated by the possibilities offered by this new technology, began to see the world through the lens. They adopted an almost photographic precision in their works, striving to capture reality with the same clarity and immediacy as this younger art form. Photography, with its ability to instantly capture reality, became an unexpected ally for painters. It provided them with new tools and perspectives, inspiring them to represent the world as it was, without filters or embellishments.

This reciprocal exchange between painting and photography was revolutionary. Great masters could study photographs to better understand light, shadow, and composition, and apply this knowledge to their canvases. Photographic images allowed them to observe details that the human eye could easily overlook, enriching their work with unprecedented realism.

Photography not only changed the way artists saw and represented the world but also challenged them to engage with reality more directly and honestly: seeking to give voice to the truth of everyday life in all its complexity and beauty.

• Political Movement

We've reached curiosity number three, what do you expect now? The answer lies entirely in politics! Realism was not just about brushes and colors, but also about "hearts and ideals". Masters didn't just paint, they actively engaged with society. Their masterpieces were true political manifestos, designed to shout against injustices and call for action. The aforementioned Honoré Daumier, for example, didn't just portray travelers in his works, but gave voice to their struggle and condition. In his "Third-Class Carriage", every figure becomes a powerful symbol of the struggle and resilience of the working class, whose desire for social change is expressed through their daily journey on less comfortable trains...

So, next time you ride in a carriage... Just kidding, so, next time you see a Realist work, remember: behind that canvas lies a story of scandal, innovation, and political passion. A true overturning of art, which made reality worthy of being painted and celebrated!

Contemporary Examples

Hyperrealism: History, Characteristics, and Major Figures

Hyperrealism is an artistic movement that aims to depict reality with extreme precision, using advanced techniques to create images that often resemble photographs. Hyperrealist artists focus on scenes of daily life, portraits, and urban landscapes, capturing every minute detail meticulously.

Hyperrealism emerged in the United States between the late 1960s and early 1970s, evolving as a reaction to the predominant artistic trends of the time: Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Abstract Expressionism, represented by artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, dominated the art scene with its emphasis on abstraction and individual expression. Concurrently, Pop Art, with prominent figures such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, incorporated elements of popular culture and advertising, breaking down barriers between high art and mass culture. However, some artists felt dissatisfied with these directions and sought a more faithful and detailed representation of reality: this desire for a new "realism" led to the birth of Hyperrealism.

Artists of this movement began using photographs as the basis for their works, employing advanced techniques to create images that challenged visual perception. These processes included the use of airbrushing to apply color in thin, even layers, as well as the grid method to transfer photographic details accurately onto canvases.

Through these distinctive features, Hyperrealism celebrates the rendition of meticulous details, which are intended not only to demonstrate technical mastery but also to deeply reflect both visual perception and every aspect of modern life. Each artwork is the result of an extensive process of observation and execution, inviting viewers to rediscover the beauty and complexity of everyday occurrences.

Now, as I did with Realism previously mentioned, it's time to introduce the masters of this movement: the Hyperrealists! But first, imagine looking at a human face not just as a collection of features, but as a landscape rich in details to explore, know, discover, and contemplate. This is precisely what Leng Jun achieves with his portraits!

Much like how Leng Jun immerses himself in the intimacy of facial features, also skillfully revealing the nature of interiors, objects, and clothing in his compositions, we can imagine Juan Francisco Casas delving into the minute facial expressions that animate everyday life. His works, often created using simple blue ballpoint pens, immortalize intimate and personal moments with extraordinary precision. The "Selfie" series is a perfect example of his style, demonstrating how the artist not only draws human figures but through meticulous strokes, shows every single line and shadow as an essential part of the composition, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Next, let's explore Gottfried Helnwein, an artist who brings Hyperrealism into the realm of portraiture with a provocative and often unsettling touch, as he is deeply tied to themes of social and psychological commentary. In "The Disasters of War," for example, Helnwein portrays children with incredible realism, using precise details to emphasize the innocence and vulnerability of the subjects. In this case as well, however, everything was conceived to follow a very specific purpose: to transform the work into a reflection on the fragility of life and human cruelty, which is revealed by discovering the hidden stories behind the depicted faces.

Lastly, let's enter the world of sculptures by Ron Mueck, where the aforementioned movement comes to life in three dimensions, forging human figures, often in everyday or vulnerable poses, intended to capture the essence of human life. In masterpieces like "In Bed," however, the artist doesn't just faithfully reproduce the subject, but through a wise use of proportions and details, also manages to evoke a sense of empathy and intimacy, aiming to emotionally engage the viewer.

Curiosities

I still want to impress you with lesser-known gems to win your favor! This time, take notes because with these three curiosities about Hyperrealism, you'll shine even with the toughest art enthusiast. Ready to conquer even the hardest crush?

• Photographic Origins of Hyperrealism

Imagine being at an art exhibition, walking among artworks with someone you admire. You stand in front of a hyperrealist painting and, with a gentle gesture, move your hand towards the artwork, without touching it, of course! Then, with a knowing smile, you say, "Did you know that this painting was probably executed based on a photograph?"

Hyperrealism often uses photographic images as a foundational technique. Hyperrealist artists begin their creative process by taking extremely detailed photographs of their subjects. These photographs serve not only as a visual guide but also as foundations on which to build their paintings with astonishing precision. And there's more: many artists use projectors to transfer photographic images onto canvases, combining technology and art in an innovative and lesser-known way. This method allows them to capture every minute detail, making their works incredibly realistic and fascinating.

• Use of Macro Scale

Imagine being at the exhibition again, this time on a second romantic date, but with a different person. You don't want to repeat the same anecdote, so you decide to surprise them with something new. You stop in front of another hyperrealist painting and, with a smirk, say, "Do you know there's a fascinating aspect of Hyperrealism that few talk about? The use of macro scale."

Hyperrealist artists often enlarge their subjects far beyond natural dimensions to reveal details that the human eye normally doesn't perceive. This isn't just a technical exercise but a deliberate choice to highlight the beauty and complexity of everyday reality: through this approach, it's possible to see the world with new eyes, admiring the extraordinary meticulousness and hidden beauty in details!

• Hidden Emotions behind Realism

How do you wrap up a romantic date? Tell the person you like that despite your facade, you have a sensitive heart, just like Hyperrealism, which isn't as cold as it seems.

Behind the apparent coldness and technical precision of Hyperrealism often lie deep emotions and personal messages. This aspect of the movement is all too often underpublicized but adds an additional dimension to Hyperrealist works, making them not only impressive for their technique but also poignant for their content. To illustrate this point, let me take you back to the aforementioned psychological interest found in the work of Gottfried Helnwein...

Now you're armed with all the curiosity needed to appear as irresistible art connoisseurs!

Contemporary Examples

A Comparison of Styles through the Works of Fabian Bertona and Andrii Bryzhak

The artworks "The Confidant" by Fabian Bertona and "The Look" by Andrii Bryzhak offer a clear distinction between realism and hyperrealism. The first realistic painting depicts a woman with an intense and penetrating expression, establishing an emotional connection with the viewer as she sits on a chair wearing a delicately embroidered white dress. In contrast, Bryzhak's "The Look" shows a close-up of another female figure's face with such precision that it resembles a photograph: the subject's skin is impeccably rendered with meticulous details and extraordinary "realism." However, the woman gazes to her left, avoiding a more realistic, intense, and close connection with the viewer.

At this point, we could summarize it by saying: Fabian Bertona employs a realistic technique, focusing on faithful representation of reality and the subject's emotions, creating a sense of intimacy and silent communication. On the other hand, Andrii Bryzhak adopts a hyperrealistic technique, pushing the boundaries of visual perception by enhancing every minute detail!

Finally, Fabian Bertona and Andrii Bryzhak represent two distinct approaches to representing reality. While Bertona uses realism to create emotional connections, Bryzhak employs hyperrealism to captivate with his technical precision. Both artists, with their unique techniques and visions, enrich the landscape of contemporary art.

What have we learned? To conclude, let's return once more to the aforementioned exhibition, this time alone but eager to strike up a conversation with someone. Facing a work by Courbet, we pose the question from this article to our fellow observer: "Do you know what the difference is between realism and hyperrealism?" My interlocutor says no, so I begin to explain...

Realism and Hyperrealism represent reality in different ways. The first movement seeks to capture everyday life faithfully and without idealization, whereas Hyperrealism takes realistic representation to an extreme level, creating works that resemble photographs.

Moreover, their techniques also differ significantly: while realists use traditional methods of painting and drawing, based on direct observation or photographic images, hyperrealists employ advanced photographic tools directly to achieve extreme precision.

Thematically, Realism focuses on critical and documentary subjects of real life, while Hyperrealism explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the transience of life, using precision to evoke deep emotions.

In summary, Realism represents reality directly and faithfully, while Hyperrealism pushes this representation to the photographic extremes, revealing microscopic details and a new dimension of reality.