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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
Color:  Red
"Cadmium MG Y Type" (Original Acrylic Painting)
Located in Denver, CO
Shan Fannin's (US based) "Cadmium MG Y Type" is an acrylic painting that depicts a Cadmium MG Y Type. Born 1969 in California, artist Shannon “Shan” Fannin brings vehicles to life ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Wood Panel

"Hot Chilis" Large Acrylic Painting with Rectangular Abstraction
Located in Austin, TX
A photorealistic depictions of red chili peppers, emphasizing the aesthetic vibrance of their color and sheen. 38.5" x 51.5" Acrylic on Canvas
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

David Bowie "Watch That Man II" by Sukita
Located in Austin, US
16" x 20", signed limited edition print of David Bowie, titled "Watch That Man II" by Masayoshi Sukita. Taken at RCA Studios, New York, 1973. This stunning image was used in the new...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

David Bowie "He'd Blow Our Minds" by Sukita
Located in Austin, US
16" x 20", signed limited edition print of David Bowie, titled "He'd Blow Our Minds" by Masayoshi Sukita. This print is also available as a 30x40" signed limited edition print. “...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

David Bowie "Watch That Man IV" by Sukita
Located in Austin, US
16" x 20", signed limited edition print of David Bowie by Masayoshi Sukita. Taken at RCA Studios, New York, 1973. As featured in the new movie, Moonage Daydream. This print is also ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Witness the Time, Contemporary art Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Varvarov Anatoly Viktorovich Title: Witness the Time, Sise: 39.5x51 inches, (100x130 cm) Medium: Oil on Canvas Hand painted, original, one of a kind. "Witness the time" is an oil painting that features a bizarre tree branch against the sky. The color scheme is unusual, adding to the painting's interest. The painting would be a great addition to any home or office, as it is both eye-catching and intriguing. About the artist: Varvarov Anatoly Viktorovich was born on February 12, 1967 in Kremenchuk, Ukraine. Attended Dnepropetrovsk Art School. EV Vuchetich from 1983 to 1987, and National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture from 1990 to 1996 graduated with Masters degree in Fine Art. After becoming a member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine, Mr. Varvarov received the category of artist-restorer of easel painting in 1999...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Kate Bush
Located in Austin, US
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

Hot Water - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 24" x 18"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a naked young woman diving in a pool in front of bright red background. There are no rules for luck. I was sure the new girl would need practice and pra...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Wild Blood - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 50x35"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
There are no rules for luck. I was sure the new girl would need practice and practice - and I was wrong. She was just perfect from the first second. Next month she got married and m...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Wild Blood - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 62x43"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
There are no rules for luck. I was sure the new girl would need practice and practice - and I was wrong. She was just perfect from the first second. Next month she got married and m...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Hot Water - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 52" x 35"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a naked young woman diving in a pool in front of bright red background. There is no rules for luck. I was sure the new girl would need practice and prac...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Hot Water - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 64" x 43"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a naked young woman diving in a pool in front of bright red background. There is no rules for luck. I was sure the new girl would need practice and prac...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Wild Blood - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 24x18"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
There are no rules for luck. I was sure the new girl would need practice and practice - and was wrong. She was just perfect from the first second till the last one. Next month she g...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Digital

Pineapple Kiss
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Blood and Milk III - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 48 x 35"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a topless young woman with white tulle scarf taking off her red skirt on bright red background. Original digital print on archival paper signed by the a...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

The Trouble - photograph of an underwater reflection - archival print 15 x 23"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A passionate furious energy radiates in the ripples of red that overtake the reflection. Intense motion, stirring the water into an explosion of bubbles we encounter “The Trouble...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Pineapple Red
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Pop Art Vintage Color Photograph Dye Transfer Print "Time to Save" Audrey Flack
Located in Surfside, FL
Hand signed and titled in ink by the artist from edition of 50 (plus proofs). Color Photo printed at CVI Lab by master printer Guy Stricherz. Published by Prestige Art Ltd. From the ...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, C Print, Dye Transfer

Blood and Milk - underwater photograph - archival pigment print 24" x 18"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a young woman in red dress with white scarf. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. Digital archival pigment print on archival paper with ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Blood and Milk III - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 24" x 18"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a topless young woman with white tulle scarf taking off her red skirt on bright red background. Original gallery quality archival pigment print on archi...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Pop Art Color Photograph Dye Transfer Print Audrey Flack "Skull & Roses" Photo
Located in Surfside, FL
Hand signed and titled in ink by the artist from edition of 50 (plus proofs). Color Photo printed at CVI Lab by master printer Guy Stricherz. Published by Prestige Art Ltd. From the ...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Dye Transfer, Photographic Paper, C Print

Blood and Milk V - underwater nude photograph - print on aluminum 36" x 24"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a topless young woman with white tulle scarf - taking off her red skirt on bright red background. Original digital print on aluminum plate signed by the...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Metal

Debbie Harry, Red Salute, 1978
Located in White Plains, NY
'Debbie Harry, Red Salute,' 1978 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 10 x 15 inch photo on 17 x 22 inch on the finest satin photo paper, Ed. of 50. This photograph was taken at Tannenbaum's studio. From the artists' 4th hardcover book 'Grit and Glamour: The Street Style, High Fashion, and Legendary Music of the 1970s,' published in 2016. This color photograph was taken by Tannenbaum during his tenure at The SoHo Weekly News in New York City from 1973 to 1982 where he served as Chief Photographer and Photo Editor. Allan Tannenbaum's career in photography spans more than four decades. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, in 1945, he received a B.A. in Art from Rutgers University in 1967, where he photographed for The Targum – the campus newspaper – and made films for his art courses. Gravitating to the nascent art scene in the SoHo district of Manhattan in 1972, Tannenbaum worked as a taxi driver and bartender while looking for work as a photographer. In 1973, when the SoHo Weekly News commenced publication, Tannenbaum became the Photo Editor and Chief Photographer. The newspaper started out as an eight-page free paper, but soon became a popular newsstand seller that rivaled the established Village Voice. Tannenbaum relentlessly covered the art world, music scene, politics, show business, and nightlife until 1982 when the SoHo News folded. Tannenbaum has also done documentary and feature photography in places like Thailand, Indonesia, Palau, Jordan, Bahrain, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Brazil, Israel, Iceland, and Mexico. He has covered numerous political campaigns, nominating conventions and news stories in the U.S. such as the Oklahoma City bombing and the Columbine massacre. His work has appeared in many photo books and exhibitions, as well as appearing regularly in NEWSWEEK, TIME, LIFE, ROLLING STONE, PARIS MATCH, and STERN. His photographs have graced the covers of TIME three times, and NEWSWEEK five times. He now works as an international photojournalist contributing to various noted publications including Time, Life, and Newsweek. He is the author of three other books of his photography, including New York in the 70s (Feierabend, 2003), New York (Feierabend, 2004), and John and Yoko: A New York Love Story...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Red Rose from the Stamps series, Screenprint by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933 - 1993) Title: Red Rose from the Stamps Series Year: 1981 Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Image Size: 20 x ...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Screen

Red Poppies, Photorealist Flower Serigraph by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt, American (1933 - 1993) Title: Red Poppies Year: 1979 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 175 Image Size: 37.5 x 29.5 inches Paper Size:...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Screen

DOCCIA FRESCA, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Oil on canvas :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Locat...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil

"'58 Corvette, " Watercolor Close up signed by Bruce McCombs
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"'58 Corvette" is an original signed watercolor by Bruce McCombs. It depicts the back end of a gleaming Corvette with exquisite attention to reflection and light. 22 3/4" x 29 1/2"...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Watercolor

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Duet
H 10 in W 10 in
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H 24 in W 30 in D 1.5 in
"Ferrari Enzo", Oleg Turchin, Oil on Canvas, 36" x 54", Photorealism Painting
Located in Dallas, TX
Oleg Turchin's "Ferrari Enzo" is an oil on canvas that measures 36" x 54". Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Italian car culture with Oleg T...
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Previously Available Items
Wild Blood - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 50" x 35"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
There is no rules for luck. I was sure the new girl would need practice and practice - and I was wrong. She was just perfect from the first second. Next month she got married and mo...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

David Bowie "Watch That Man II" by Sukita
Located in Austin, US
16" x 20", signed limited edition print of David Bowie, titled "Watch That Man II" by Masayoshi Sukita. Taken at RCA Studios, New York, 1973 This print is also available as a 30x40...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

David Bowie "Watch That Man IV" by Sukita
Located in Austin, US
16" x 20", signed limited edition print of David Bowie by Masayoshi Sukita. Taken at RCA Studios, New York, 1973 This print is also available as a 30x40" signed limited edition prin...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Miguel Peidro "Autumn Mist", Fall Foliage Mountain Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
"Autumn Mist" by Miguel Peidro is an 18x22 original oil painting on canvas. This painting depicts a dirt path in peak autumn season, with bright orange an...
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Red Car (Photorealism)
Located in New Orleans, LA
Lory Lockwood is a New Orleans photorealist artist, and here she captures what is for me a pure symbol of America: a shiny red car. Superb detail, just a very ...
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1990s Photorealist Art

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Oil

Red Poppies, Photorealist Flower Serigraph by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt, American (1933 - 1993) Title: Red Poppies Year: 1979 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 175 Image Size: 37.5 x 29.5 inches Paper Size:...
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1970s Photorealist Art

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Screen

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Trinity II
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Flower
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Located in Paris, FR
One of a kind photography.
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H 11.82 in W 15.75 in D 0.4 in
Frida Kahlo 2, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Frida Kahlo de Rivera was a Mexican painter, who mostly painted self-portraits. Inspired by Mexican popular culture, she employed a naïve folk art style to explore questions of iden...
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PHOENIX RISING 2
Located in Quebec, Quebec
About artist: Born in Utah (USA), Chloe Hedden looks for the unseen patterns and hidden narratives that reveal the magnificence in all things. ​According to the artist, there is a st...
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2010s Photorealist Art

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Canvas, Oil

PHOENIX RISING 2
H 48 in W 48 in D 1.5 in

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.

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