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Photorealist Art

PHOTOREALISM

A direct challenge to Abstract Expressionism’s subjectivity and gestural vigor, Photorealism was informed by the Pop predilection for representational imagery, popular iconography and tools, like projectors and airbrushes, borrowed from the worlds of commercial art and design.

Whether gritty or gleaming, the subject matter favored by Photorealists is instantly, if vaguely, familiar. It’s the stuff of yellowing snapshots and fugitive memories. The bland and the garish alike flicker between crystal-clear reality and dreamy illusion, inviting the viewer to contemplate a single moment rather than igniting a story.

The virtues of the “photo” in Photorealist art — infused as they are with dazzling qualities that are easily blurred in reproduction — are as elusive as they are allusive. “Much Photorealist painting has the vacuity of proportion and intent of an idiot-savant, long on look and short on personal timbre,” John Arthur wrote (rather admiringly) in the catalogue essay for Realism/Photorealism, a 1980 exhibition at the Philbrook Museum of Art, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At its best, Photorealism is a perpetually paused tug-of-war between the sacred and the profane, the general and the specific, the record and the object.

Robert Bechtle invented Photorealism, in 1963,” says veteran art dealer Louis Meisel. “He took a picture of himself in the mirror with the car outside and then painted it. That was the first one.”

The meaning of the term, which began for Meisel as “a superficial way of defining and promoting a group of painters,” evolved with time, and the core group of Photorealists slowly expanded to include younger artists who traded Rolleiflexes for 60-megapixel cameras, using advanced digital technology to create paintings that transcend the detail of conventional photographs.

On 1stDibs, the collection of Photorealist art includes work by Richard Estes, Ralph Goings, Chuck Close, Audrey Flack, Charles Bell and others.

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Style: Photorealist
Ian Hornak, Ghosts at Dawn, 1985
Ian Hornak, Ghosts at Dawn, 1985

Ian Hornak, Ghosts at Dawn, 1985

By Ian Hornak

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite acrylic painting by Ian Hornak (1944–2002), titled Ghosts at Dawn, was executed in 1985. The monumental and visionary composition represents one of the most ambitious ...

Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Panel

Ian Hornak, Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka, 1986
Ian Hornak, Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka, 1986

Ian Hornak, Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka, 1986

By Ian Hornak

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite acrylic painting by Ian Hornak (1944–2002), titled Lilies and Mushrooms with my Parrot Kouka, was executed in 1986. The masterfully conceived composition exemplifies H...

Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Panel, Acrylic

Red Hot Chili Peppers by Ebet Roberts

Red Hot Chili Peppers by Ebet Roberts

By Ebet Roberts

Located in Austin, TX

A classic, stunning shot of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1985 by celebrated photographer, Ebet Roberts. Signed limited edition, hand printed silver gelatin print. Ebet Roberts bega...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Glass and Lemons, ORIGINAL Realism Still Life Oil Painting 40X40cm, Signed
Glass and Lemons, ORIGINAL Realism Still Life Oil Painting 40X40cm, Signed

Glass and Lemons, ORIGINAL Realism Still Life Oil Painting 40X40cm, Signed

Located in London, Chelsea

We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Paris de Noche (Paris at Night): Photorealist Oil Painting
Paris de Noche (Paris at Night): Photorealist Oil Painting

Paris de Noche (Paris at Night): Photorealist Oil Painting

By Jesus Navarro

Located in Atlanta, GA

This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Size listed does not include the frame. Frame adds around 3 inches to each side to the posted ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Willie Nelson at the 4th July Picnic 1979

Willie Nelson at the 4th July Picnic 1979

Located in Austin, TX

Willie Nelson, taken at the 4th July Picnic in 1979 in Austin Texas by photographer Scott Newton Signed limited edition print, printed on heavyweight cotton photo rag with a matte f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Ian Hornak, Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo, 1990
Ian Hornak, Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo, 1990

Ian Hornak, Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo, 1990

By Ian Hornak

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite acrylic painting by Ian Hornak (1944–2002), titled Nocturne I: White Peacock, Black Cockatoo, was executed in 1990. The masterfully conceived composition exemplifies H...

Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Panel, Acrylic

DIVE
DIVE

DIVE

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Be like water, my friend" by Bruce Lee. When Lee said "be like water," he called upon people to embrace flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. He asserted ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Waves of Freedom
Waves of Freedom

Waves of Freedom

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Waves of Freedom" captures the moment when water washes away all constraints and expectations, allowing the soul to breathe freely. Each brushstroke symbolizes the journey toward in...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

NYC Shopping Couple
NYC Shopping Couple

NYC Shopping Couple

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

The picture is an edition ( Edit. of 50) and part of a book about NYC, which Kallay done in 1965 for a German book publisher.

Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

"Locked, " Oil Painting
"Locked, " Oil Painting

"Locked, " Oil Painting

By Karen Offutt

Located in Denver, CO

Karen Offutt's "Locked" is an original, handmade painting that depicts a close up view of a feminine face at three quarters view, her brown hair frames her porcelain face. About th...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Filled with Light

Filled with Light

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

The picture belongs to. a set of photographs, done by Kallay in NYC in 1965 for a German book publisher.

Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Kate Bush

Kate Bush

By Gered Mankowitz

Located in Austin, TX

Portrait of singer and dancer, Kate Bush by acclaimed photographer, Gered Mankowitz, taken in his London studio in 1978. Kate Bush has seen a huge resurgence...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo
Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo

Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Jack Mitchell, American Photographer (1925-2013). Joe Dallesandro, ca. 1973. 11 x 14 inches; 12 x 15 inches framed. Period print from artist's studio. The image was intended for ...

Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Walking along the Amalfi Coast: Photorealist Oil Painting
Walking along the Amalfi Coast: Photorealist Oil Painting

Walking along the Amalfi Coast: Photorealist Oil Painting

By Jesus Navarro

Located in Atlanta, GA

This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Size listed does not include the frame. Frame adds around 3 inches to each side to the posted ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Art about Food Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY (Plate)
Art about Food Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY (Plate)

Art about Food Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY (Plate)

By Ralph Goings

Located in New York, NY

Ralph Goings Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY, 1996 Ceramic Plate Artist signature fired into the plate on the front and back and numbered 105 from an edition of 510. 10 1/5 inches diameter by 1/4 inch height Unframed This beautiful, limited edition, signed and numbered bowl...

Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Ceramic, Screen, Mixed Media

1983 Variety Photo Plays Signed Limited Edition Lithograph in colors
1983 Variety Photo Plays Signed Limited Edition Lithograph in colors

1983 Variety Photo Plays Signed Limited Edition Lithograph in colors

By Davis Cone

Located in Rochester Hills, MI

Davis Cone 1983 Variety Photo Plays Signed in pencil and marked 3/7 PP (Printers Proof) Lithograph in colors Paper Size 34½ x 26 inches Image Size 32½ x 23¼ inches Eleanor Ettinger G...

Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Lithograph

1920s Photo of the Seawell Cushion Wheel Co. Baseball Team of Detroit
1920s Photo of the Seawell Cushion Wheel Co. Baseball Team of Detroit

1920s Photo of the Seawell Cushion Wheel Co. Baseball Team of Detroit

Located in San Francisco, CA

A 1920s Detroit-based company baseball team gathered for this photo. The Sewell Cushion Wheel Company’s players wear uniform shirts bearing the timeless term “All Cush,” (frankly, wo...

Category

1920s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

David Bowie The Archer
David Bowie The Archer

David Bowie The Archer

Located in Austin, TX

This iconic image of David Bowie as The Thin White Duke was taken by renowned Rock photographer, John Rowlands, on February 26th, 1976, at Maple Leaf Gar...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Kate Bush Lionheart album cover

Kate Bush Lionheart album cover

By Gered Mankowitz

Located in Austin, TX

Portrait of singer and dancer, Kate Bush by acclaimed photographer, Gered Mankowitz, taken in his London studio in 1978 for the cover of her album, Lionheart. Gered recalls, "The cover series of portraits that I shot for Lionheart in August 1978. I art directed the album cover and my assistant at the time, Richard Grey...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Red Stripes Still Life: Photorealist Oil Painting
Red Stripes Still Life: Photorealist Oil Painting

Red Stripes Still Life: Photorealist Oil Painting

By Jesus Navarro

Located in Atlanta, GA

This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Size listed does not include the frame. Frame adds around 3 inches to each side to the posted ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

FADED - contemporary photorealistic acrylic painting
FADED - contemporary photorealistic acrylic painting

FADED - contemporary photorealistic acrylic painting

By Lynette Cook

Located in Burlingame, CA

'Faded' depicts Chinese immigrant woman looking out from the window of her Chinatown home. The building is covered with cascading shadows that are created from the building's metal...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Untamed - Photorealistic Mixed Media Painting of Ocean Waves
Untamed - Photorealistic Mixed Media Painting of Ocean Waves

Untamed - Photorealistic Mixed Media Painting of Ocean Waves

By Steven Nederveen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Steven Nederveen's art is a testament to the complex and ever-evolving relationship between humans and nature. His vivid nature scenes, often seemingly uplifting and idyllic, also reveal the darker aspects of our connection with the natural world. Through his work, Nederveen explores the dualities of our relationship with nature - the love and destruction that can coexist within us. His masterful use of color and light illuminates the beauty and mystery of natural environments such as oceans and...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel

Origin Photorealistic Artwork Oil Enamel Painting on Canvas: New York to Milan
Origin Photorealistic Artwork Oil Enamel Painting on Canvas: New York to Milan

Origin Photorealistic Artwork Oil Enamel Painting on Canvas: New York to Milan

By Ross Tamlin

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Ross Tamlin's unique photorealistic compositions merge traditional painting methods with modern industrial techniques to create captivating works of art. Using layers of oil and enamel paint, Tamlin creates an illusion of corrugation that adds depth and texture to his pieces. His use of industrial imagery and found objects is a nod to contemporary art, while his bold color palette and incorporation of text is a nod to the Pop Art movement. Tamlin created this one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and colorful painting measuring 42 inches high by 36 inches wide and 1.25 inches deep with oil and enamel paint on canvas. The sides of the canvas are painted in a continuation of the front eliminating the need for framing. In addition to being signed by the artist on the front, the artwork also comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery. The certificate guarantees the authenticity and provenance of the artwork. Free delivery is available for those in the local Los Angeles area. Affordable worldwide shipping is available for U.S. and international art collectors. In this artwork, Tamlin reworks the traditional idea of landscape painting by incorporating text and familiar places' names, such as California destinations, painted in large letters over the colorful photorealistic painted corrugated metal. This photorealistic painting by Ross Tamlin is so expertly executed that it perfectly mimics the texture and appearance of corrugated metal, even when seen in person. However, upon much closer inspection from the side at a nearly 90-degree angle, the levelness of the canvas is revealed, allowing you to appreciate the skillful brushwork of oil and enamel paint that gives the amazing illusion of depth and texture. With meticulous attention to detail, Tamlin imparts extraordinary depth to the painting, creating a finish that emulates the shine of polished metal and further enhances the piece's realistic appearance. This original artwork stands as a testament to Tamlin's remarkable talent and precision, demonstrated through the inclusion of even the smallest details, such as the masterfully painted rusty rivet holes. Tamlin's works are represented by Artspace Warehouse Los Angeles and are held in private collections worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, the USA, Switzerland, and France. Corporate collections include ING Bank, Babcock & Brown, Barclays Bank, Saville Hotel Group, Savills Property Group, Minter Ellison, Hai Win Shipping, Allkotes Pty Ltd, Blue Scope Steel Pty Ltd, Sieper & Co., A. P. Moller Maersk Group, Grant Thomas Management, Maridan Pty Ltd, Esprit Changeware Pty Ltd, Maritime Transport Ltd, London. Artspace Warehouse has been representing and exhibiting Ross Tamlin's original artworks since 2015. The gallery has been a 1stdibs partner since 2014 with consistently excellent reviews from clients worldwide. The gallery exhibits a large selection of affordable original artworks from established and emerging international artists with diverse backgrounds at high standards. Artspace Warehouse is known to provide accurate descriptions, images, reliable services, communication, and delivery. The gallery's commitment to customer satisfaction means that clients can invest in art with confidence, knowing they have a reputable and established art gallery backing their acquisition. Artspace Warehouse prioritizes our clients' peace of mind by ensuring a seamless and worry-free art-buying experience. REPRESENTATION Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, USA EDUCATION 1979 – 1981 NZ Certificate of Town Planning (3 Years) 1982 Emigrated to Australia, 1989 Australian citizenship 1985 Fine Arts Certificate (Meadowbank) (not completed) 1987 Graphic Arts Certificate, Brisbane 1988 – 1997 Paint/Colour Laboratory Technician SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2014 Soho Galleries, Sydney, Australia 2013 Soho Galleries, Sydney, Australia 2012 Paintbox Fineart, Canberra, ACT, “Melange” 2011 Jackman Gallery, St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia 2010 Harrison Gallery, Paddington, Australia 2008 Rushcutters Bay Gallery, Sydney, Australia 2007 Paintbox Gallery, Braddon, Canberra, Australia 2007 Rushcutters Bay Gallery, Sydney, Australia 2006 Rushcutters Bay Gallery, Sydney, Australia 2005 Rushcutters Bay Gallery, Sydney, Australia 2005 Paintbox Gallery, Braddon, Canberra, Australia 2004 Rushcutters Bay Gallery, Sydney, Australia 2003 Rushcutters Bay Gallery, Sydney, Australia 2002 Rushcutters Bay Gallery, Sydney, Australia 2001 1+2 Artists Studio Gallery, Rozelle 2000 New Aesthetix Gallery, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2024 Affordable Art Fair, New York, NY 2023 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2021 “Urban Thoughts”, Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2021 Affordable Art Fair New York 2019 Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2019 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2019 Affordable Art Fair New York 2019 Palm Springs Fine Art Fair, Palm Springs, CA 2018 AAF Hong Kong 2018 New York AAF, NY, USA 2018 Morris Art Prize; Gold Coast, Queensland 2018 Art Palm Springs Fine Art Fair, California 2017 SOHO Galleries, Sydney, group exhibitions 2017 Gallery Beneath, Moolloolaba, Queensland, group show 2017 Whistler Contemporary Gallery, Whistler, BC, Canada 2017 Artspace Warehouse Gallery, Los Angeles, USA 2017 AAF New York, NY, USA 2017 AAF Battersea, London, UK 2017 Palm Springs Art Fair, Palm Springs, California USA, represented by Artspace Warehouse 2016 Stockholm AAF 2016, Sweden, represented by Retrospect Planet 2016 Artspace Warehouse Gallery, Los Angeles, USA 2016 Kunstwarenhaus Gallery, Zurich, Switzerland 2016 SOHO Galleries, Sydney, NSW, Australia 2016 Art Hamptons, represented by Artspace Warehouse LA 2016 AAF Hong Kong 2016 New York AAF, USA, represented by Artspace Warehouse LA 2016 Asia Contemporary, Hong Kong 2016 Palm Springs Fine Art Fair, USA, represented by 2016 Artspace Warehouse 2016 Whistler Contemporary Gallery, Whistler, Canada 2016 Caldera Art Exhibition, Murwillumbah, Northern NSW 2015 AAF Singapore 2015 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, USA 2015 Palm Springs Fine Art Fair, USA, represented by 2015 Artspace Warehouse 2015 London AAF, Battersea, March, represented by 2015 Retrospect Planet 2015 Asian Contemporary, Hong Kong, March, represented by Retrospect Planet 2015 New York AAF, USA, represented by Artspace Warehouse LA 2015 Hong Kong AAF, May, represented by Retrospect Planet 2015 Kunstwarenhaus Gallery, Zurich, Switzerland 2015 Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane 2015 Stockholm AAF 2015, Sweden represented by Retrospect Planet 2015 Group Show SOHO Galleries, “Realism” Sydney, NSW 2015 Singapore AAF 2015 Hamburg AAF, Germany 2015 Mosman Art Prize, Sydney, 2014 Brussels AAF, Belgium, represented by Retrospect Planet 2014 Milan AAF, Italy, represented by Retrospect Planet 2014 London AAF, UK, represented by Retrospect Planet 2014 Hong Kong AAF; represented by Retrospect Planet 2014 Asian Contemporary (Hong Kong) 2014 Singapore AAF (May) 2014 Stockholm AAF, Sweden (October) 2014 Amsterdam AAF, Netherlands 2014 Hamburg AAF, Germany 2014 Singapore AAF, Singapore 2014 Northern Rivers Kyogle Pop Up exhibition (November) 2014 Soho Galleries, Xmas group exhibition 2013 Brussels AAF, Belgium, represented by Retrospect Planet 2013 Milan AAF, Italy, represented by Retrospect Planet 2013 Hong Kong AAF, Hong Kong, represented by Retrospect Planet 2013 Asian Contemporary Art Show,JW Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong 2013 Melbourne Art Fair, represented by Manyung Gallery, 2013 A Book about Death (international travelling art show) Tweed Art Gallery, Murwillumbah, NSW 2013 Hong Kong Contemporary Art Show, Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong 2013 Stockholm AAF, Stockholm, Sweden 2013 Amsterdam AAF, Amsterdam, Holland 2013 Hamburg AAF , Hamburg, Germany 2013 Singapore AAF, Singapore 2013 Seattle AAF, Seattle, USA, represented by Manyung Gallery 2013 Whistler Village Art Gallery, Whistler, BC, Canada 2012 Redsea Gallery,Group Exhibition, Brisbane 2012 Toowoomba Grammar School Art Show, Toowoomba, QLD 2012 Brussels AAF, Belgium, represented by Retrospect Gallery 2012 New York AAF, New York, USA 2012 Envie D’Art, Paris, France & London UK 2012 Art Melbourne AAF, Melbourne 2012 Hamptons Art Fair, July, New York, USA 2012 Wilson Art Prize, Lismore, Northern NSW 2012 Shanghai Art Fair, China, October 2012 Toronto International Art Fair, Canada 2012 Singapore Affordable Art Fair, represented by Retrospect Gallery 2012 Hamburg Affordable Art Fair, Germany 2012 Border Art...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Enamel

Jill I, Photorealist Lithography by John Kacere

Jill I, Photorealist Lithography by John Kacere

By John Kacere

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: John Kacere, American (1920 - 1999) Title: Jill I Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 300, 10 HC, 45 AP Image Size: 25.5 x 19 inches Size: 2...

Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Breathe Easy

Breathe Easy

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Thomas Arvid original oil

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil

Harlem 1958 by Art Kane

Harlem 1958 by Art Kane

By Art Kane

Located in Austin, TX

The most famous photograph in Jazz? Entirely possible, and considered as such by jazz and photography fans and scholars alike. Shot for Esquire Magazine in August 1958 , it was Art Kane’s first major assignment as a photographer. Kane pitched the idea of a huge group portrait to be shot on location in Harlem. No one knew, with the early call hour of 10:00 am whether anyone would show up, but they did. 58 legendary giants of jazz including Lester Young...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Photorealist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, red, purple, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Alex Sher, Gregory Block, Lowell Nesbitt, and Ian Hornak. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Photorealist art, so small editions measuring 0.79 inches across are also available. Prices for art made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $11 and tops out at $585,000, while the average work sells for $2,404.