As collectors and creators turn away from digital abstraction, the art world is witnessing a resurgence of interest in traditional art skills, particularly realism. Capturing the essence of its subject matter with lifelike detail, realistic art offers a connection to the world that feels tangible and human.
The Resurgence of Traditional Art Skills in a Digital Age
In recent years, the art world has witnessed a resurgence of interest in traditional art skills, particularly realism. As we continue to navigate the digital age, collectors and creators alike are turning back to the human touch of classical realism.
Realism is a philosophical and artistic movement that aims to accurately depict reality.
In philosophy, realism asserts the existence of an objective world independent of human perception.
In art, realism seeks to accurately represent the physical world, often using detailed and realistic techniques.
The concept of realism has been explored in various fields, including literature, painting, and film.
Realist artists aim to capture the essence of their subjects without idealization or embellishment.
A Rejection of Abstract Abstraction
Realist art depicts recognizable subjects from the real world, such as landscapes or figures. Unlike abstract art, which often prioritizes emotion over representation, realism seeks to capture the essence of its subject matter in a lifelike and detailed manner. This approach has been shaped by various styles, including impressionism, photorealism, medieval religious iconography, and even surreal scenes inspired by ‘Salvador Dalí’.
The Roots of Realism
Realism emerged as a modern art movement in France during the 1840s as a reaction to traditional forms of art deemed obsolete in the wake of the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution. This shift towards humanism and real-world subjects revolutionized painting, displacing religious or mythological themes. Over time, various iterations of realism have evolved, including ‘Photorealism’ , which emphasizes technical skill, and more expressive works that focus on conceptual sophistication.
A New Generation of Realist Artists
Today’s contemporary realist painters are building upon the foundations established by earlier artists. They combine classical technique with modern materials and techniques, such as digital tools alongside traditional mediums like oil paint, acrylics, and charcoal. This blend has resulted in a diverse range of styles and themes within the realism movement.
The Appeal of Realism
So why is realism experiencing a resurgence? At its core, realist art offers a connection to the world that feels tangible and human. These works are shaped by the artist’s hand, their movement, and their eye, providing an unmistakable sense of presence. In an era dominated by digital abstraction, this human touch remains uniquely compelling.
The Art Market’s Response
The art market has taken notice of realism‘s resurgence, with high-priced sales at auction and critical acclaim for contemporary realist artists. ‘René Magritte’s L’empire des lumières’ sold for $121 million in 2024, breaking records as the highest surrealist work sold at auction.
The Importance of Classical Technique
Classical art instruction has seen a revival, with formal programs, online instruction, and private mentorship from master artists. This renewed emphasis on technical proficiency is essential to realism‘s strength, allowing artists to capture the complexities of real life with precision and detail.
A Space for Innovation
While digital and AI-generated art have their own unique skill sets, human-produced realist art will never disappear. In fact, it may be more essential than ever in an era that craves tangible connections. As noted by ‘Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine’ , ‘Realism is a plural movement, a territory with as many paths as there are artists who traverse it.’
