What is ‘Realism’ in Visual Art?

Nirvana Romell

People have used art to capture, interpret and convey the realities of life for millennia. Each period had its own style and methods in striving towards ‘realism’ and often produced, visually and technically, very different art. Thus ‘realism’ in visual arts is used as an umbrella term, without a conclusive definition.

Artists whose work encapsulates the idea of classical timelessness and universality have been labelled ‘realists’ as well as those whose art focuses on momentary and mundane. So what exactly goes under this ‘realist umbrella’ – the accurate representations of solid, physical forms; truthfully captured visual phenomena; and/or honestly displayed material and technique? How does the term pertain to the seemingly disparate styles of Leonardo and Caravaggio? And why have the 20th century ‘realists’ so often been deemed ‘utterly insignificant’ by art historians?

Inspired by the recent renewed curatorial and academic interest in the subject, this day school will look into the long history of the myriad of realist tendencies in visual arts, from ancient Egyptians to Modernism and beyond. Particular attention will be given to realism in British art.

Date: Thursday, 22nd March 2018            Time: 10.30 -16.30

VENUE:
Methodist Central Hall,
Collier Room;
Oldham Street,
Manchester, M1 1JQ

Price Concessions Minimum No. Maximum No.
£40 8 40

To book, complete the MANCENT booking form and send it with payment to
Nirvana Romell, 37 Buckingham Road, Wilmslow, SK9 5LA, Cheshire
Email: mancent.nirvana@gmail.com