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American Photorealists
In 1969, New York gallerist Louis K. Meisel coined the term
"Photorealism" to describe the work of artists who, among other things,
used "the camera and photograph to gather information" as well as "a
mechanical or semi-mechanical means to transfer the information to the
canvas."
Photorealist work is also marked by a bright palette, acute detail,
seemingly inconsequential subject matter, and of course, the general
appearance of a photograph. Yet, more than simple transcriptions of
photographs, Photorealist images investigate the relationship among
light, shape, and color; examine the effects and functions of time; and
probe notions of the literal and the mundane.
This exhibition presents the work of several original
members of the American Photorealist movement, selected from the UAMA
permanent collections. Many of the prints on display were published in
1972 as part of a Documenta portfolio, which included ten
lithographs by
Photorealists and was produced in conjunction with the eponymously
titled exhibition of contemporary art (on view every 5 years) in Kassel,
Germany. The exhibition brought Photorealism into the international
limelight, and the work generated controversy among critics, some who
viewed the movement as conservative, simplistic, and reactionary and
others who welcomed the return of realism.
Curated by Susannah Maurer, Assistant Curator
Visit our Exhibition History page for information
on past exhibitions at UAMA.
UAMA: (520) 621-7567
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