Hyperrealism; bringing art to life

Initially, artists tried to detach art from reality, using that as an escape route from the regular world and all that was permissible in life. Then hyperrealism surfaced, practically erasing the line that separated art from realism. Pictures and sculptures created by modern hyper realistic artists look no different from a high resolution picture, making […]

Initially, artists tried to detach art from reality, using that as an escape route from the regular world and all that was permissible in life. Then hyperrealism surfaced, practically erasing the line that separated art from realism. Pictures and sculptures created by modern hyper realistic artists look no different from a high resolution picture, making it difficult to believe that it is mere art. With new and improved tools like 3D pens, pencils or ballpoint pens, these incredible works are created.

Hyper realistic artist take sculpting, drawing and painting to a point where you can actually feel the art work come to life. This genre of drawing or painting is considered an advancement of photorealism. The line between reality and art is basically invisible with hyperrealism. These works go beyond your basic portraits, to some extent they are almost as good as actual pictures, if not better.

This form of creativity is exciting, educative and quite refreshing. After staring at a photorealistic portrait, your mind automatically delves into a wide space of imagination, leaving you with the task of deciphering the story behind the portrait.

This new trend in art is definitely going to be in great competition with photography. Why have a picture taken of you, when you can have a painting or sculpture that is your exact replica?

In Nigeria, this could actually be a great improvement for the educational system. Nigerian artists are currently participating in this new art form, and they are great at it. Imagine teaching basic science to a class of primary school pupils, with a realistic painting of the animals in their textbooks; this will definitely stick longer than just verbal education.

Hyperrealism brings a different dimension to art, it leaves the eyes intrigued, exciting, and in anticipation for more. Photorealism is taking over the world and it is obviously a welcome development. Mainly, it is the textures, surfaces, shadows and lighting effects that are painted to appear clearer and more definite, exposing the hints of Hyperrealism in an art work.

Foreign painters like Jamie Salmon, Sam Jinks, Ron Mueck and Jason de Graaf have dominated the art scene with their hyper realistic works, while in Nigeria,the likes of Arinze Stanley,Oresegun Olumide and Martins Akande are making waves for their amazing works. It’s no doubt that many more of this hyper realistic artists will emerge in times to come.