Pan Am Spin
1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
A Close Look at photorealist Art
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.
Finding the Right black-white-photography for You
There’s a lot to love about black and white photography.
The unique and timeless quality of a black and white photograph accentuates any room. Some might argue that we’re naturally drawn to color photography because it’s the world we know best. This is a shared belief, particularly in the era of camera-phone photography, editing apps and the frenetic immediacy of sharing photos on social media. But when we look at black and white photography, we experience deep, rich shadows and tonal properties in a way that transfixes us. Composition and textures are crisp and engaging. We’re immediately drawn to the subjects of vintage street photography and continue to feel the emotional impact of decades-old photojournalism. The silhouettes of mountains in black and white landscape photography are particularly pronounced, while portrait photography and the skylines of urban cityscapes come to life in monochrome prints.
When decorating with fine photography, keep in mind that some color photographs may not be suitable for every space. However, you can be more daring with black and white photos. The gray tones are classic, sophisticated and generally introduce elegance to any corner of your home, which renders black and white prints amazingly versatile.
Black and white photography adapts to its surroundings like a chameleon might. A single large-scale black and white photograph above the sofa in your living room is going to work with any furniture style, and as some homeowners and designers today are working to introduce more muted tones and neutral palettes to dining rooms and bedrooms, the integration of black and white photography — a hallmark of minimalist decor — is a particularly natural choice for such a setting.
Another advantage to bringing black and white photography into your home is that you can style walls and add depth and character without worrying about disrupting an existing color scheme. Black and white photographs actually harmonize well with accent colors such as yellow, red and green. Your provocative Memphis Group lighting and bold Pierre Paulin seating will pair nicely with the black and white fine nude photography you’ve curated over the years.
Black and white photography also complements a variety of other art. Black and white photos pair well with drawings and etchings in monochromatic hues. They can also form part of specific color schemes. For example, you can place black and white prints in colored picture frames for a pop of color. And while there are no hard and fast rules, it’s best to keep black and white prints separate from color photographs. Color prints stand out in a room more than black and white prints do. Pairing them may detract attention from your black and white photography. Instead, dedicate separate walls or spaces to each.
Once you’ve selected the photography that best fits your space, you’ll need to decide how to hang the images. If you want to hang multiple photos, it’s essential to know how to arrange wall art. A proper arrangement can significantly enhance a living space.
On 1stDibs, explore a vast collection of compelling black and white photography by artists such as Mark Shaw, Jack Mitchell (a photographer you should know), Berenice Abbott and David Yarrow.
- What are spinning chairs called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Spinning chairs are commonly referred to as swivel chairs. Invented by Thomas Jefferson, spinning chairs are sometimes called Jefferson chairs. Shop a wide collection of vintage and contemporary swivel chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How do I stop my ring from spinning?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021If the ring spins it is because the size is too large for your finger. An easy solution is to fit a plastic noodle ring beneath the ring to stop the ring from moving around.
Roman Malakov DiamondsApril 19, 2021Sometimes, people with large knuckles can be prone to this. If that is the case, small bumps can be placed inside the ring to stop it from spinning. A fingermate mechanism can also be used for extreme cases. Contact your local jeweler for more information. - What is a spinning chair called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Spinning chairs are also called swivel chairs or revolving chairs. This chair is a piece of furniture with a single central leg that allows the seat to rotate 360 degrees to the left or right. These chairs are fun and functional. Find a collection of antique and vintage spinning chairs on 1stDibs.
- Are copper pans any good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, copper pans are really good because copper is one of the best conductors of heat and so it warms quickly and retains the heat to ensure uniform cooking. The food cooked on copper pans is delicious to eat as it is perfectly cooked. On 1stDibs, you can choose from a wide range of copper pans to go with your culinary decor, including those designed during the 18th century, 19th century, late 19th century and 20th-century..
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The spinning corner cabinet is called a “lazy susan” or “turn-table”. In dining, the same design makes food service and sharing of items easy and accessible. On 1stDibs, find a collection of lazy susans from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Traditional spinning wheels are often referred to as Saxony Spinning Wheels, but there are some other models that have developed and are used today. These other spinning wheel configurations are the Great Wheel, Castle Wheel, Norwegian Wheel, Modern Wheel and Charkha Wheel. Shop a collection of antique and modern spinning wheels from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Do spinner rings actually spin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, most spinner rings do feature a part that moves freely, or spins around the rest of the ring. The popularity of fidgets or gadgets designed to reduce anxiety has led to more interest in how they work. Shop a collection of spinner rings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021The price of an old spinning wheel depends on the condition the wheel is in today. A fully cleaned, polished, and restored spinning wheel can fetch $300 and more. Old spinning wheels made by famous furniture designers or craftspeople as well as those used by famous people can cost a lot more. Find many varieties of authentic antique spinning wheels at 1stDibs.