A figurative movement that emerged in the United States and Britain in the late 1960s and 1970s, superrealism is characterized by its extremely detailed and exacting style of portraying everyday scenes. This artistic movement, also known as photorealism or hyperrealism in reference to its sculpture, sought to capture the world with an almost photographic precision.

Superrealist artists aimed to create works that were so lifelike, they could easily be mistaken for high-resolution photographs. They painstakingly portrayed ordinary objects, people, and scenes with incredible accuracy, leaving no detail unnoticed. This meticulous attention to detail often resulted in artworks that seemed almost tangible, blurring the boundaries between reality and art.

The subject matter of superrealism typically revolved around everyday life. Artists captured mundane scenes such as city streets, interiors, still lifes, and even portraits. However, what set superrealism apart was not the subject matter itself, but the highly detailed and precise execution of these scenes.

Superrealism emerged as a reaction to the abstract expressionism that dominated the art world in the mid-20th century. While abstract expressionism focused on individual interpretations and emotional expression, superrealism sought to challenge and subvert these notions by presenting an objective reality that appeared almost hyperreal.

Superrealist artists employed various techniques to achieve their desired level of realism. Some used photography as a reference, meticulously recreating the image on canvas or in sculpture. Others relied solely on their observation skills, carefully studying every detail and translating it onto their chosen medium.

The popularity of superrealism waned in the 1980s as other artistic movements took the spotlight. However, its influence can still be seen in contemporary art, particularly in the works of artists who strive for technical excellence and a hyper-realistic portrayal of the world.

In conclusion, superrealism, or photorealism, emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s as an artistic movement that aimed to portray everyday scenes with an unprecedented level of detail and precision. By capturing the world in an almost photographic manner, superrealist artists challenged traditional notions of art and reality, blurring the lines between the two.

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