First, let’s talk about what Hyperrealism is…and what it is not.

Simply put, it is a school of art that is based on Photorealism, but which imposes additional visual dynamics. And before we begin, neither school of art is about merely “copying” photographs. Both schools of art are based on the artists’ intentions on making visual statements that essentially celebrate the ability of artists to articulate a visual symbol at least as well as, and in many cases, superior to, mechanical cameras.

Photorealism essentially emerged as a counter-culture movement to Pop by taking the commercial icons of movement and rather than giving them added credibility, depicted them as a part of everyday life. This school of art is ongoing and some Photorealists do cross over to Hyperrealism from time to time. As a splinter movement, Hyperrealism is relatively new, and distinguishes itself in several distinct ways.

First, where Photorealism relied upon analog cameras, projectors and mechanical transfers, Hyperrealism utilizes digital technology, i.e. digital cameras, computers and projectors. However, the distinctions only begin here. By process, Hyperrealism often takes a reality, substitutes a false simulation of it, then improves the false image beyond reality itself. In so doing, it challenges the optical perceptions by utilizing digital aberrations and anomalies in modern photography and either changing, improving, or exaggerating them to clarify a visual statement. Popular examples are Ralph Goings and Robert Bechtle (Photorealists); and Chuck Close and Gottfried Helnwein (Hyperrealists). Again, arguments can be made for crossing over in all cases.

For the purposes of fairness, dA art featured in this article will span both schools of art, as well as extreme variations that may indeed be legitimate extensions of the two styles. Due to the confines of space, the amount of art will be limited and will not include, albeit beautifully done, the many dA drawings and paintings that may look far better than photographs, but which are not essentially creating an alternate credible reality.

I know that this may sound to some of you as elitist, and I assure you that it is not. Therefore, please feel free to suggest your hyperrealist favorites in link form so that we may all look at these works as well. Since I am not aware of all the great hyperreal art being produced on dA, your referrals are more than welcome, and if I left anyone out that belongs here, I apologize in advance for any inadvertent omissions and errors in judgment.

Have fun and enjoy!

Denis Peterson
Hyperrealist Painter