Realism

Definition

Realism is an artistic and literary movement that seeks to represent subjects as they are in everyday life, without embellishment or interpretation. This approach emphasizes authenticity, often portraying ordinary people and common scenes to challenge idealized notions of beauty and art. Realism in photography reflects this philosophy, focusing on capturing genuine moments and true representations of the world, connecting deeply with both societal contexts and the technological advancements of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged as a reaction against Romanticism, which emphasized emotion and idealized subjects.
2. In photography, realism became prominent with the advent of techniques like heliography and daguerreotype, allowing for clearer and more precise representations.
3. Joseph Nicéphore Niépce is credited with early contributions to realism through his pioneering photographic processes that sought to capture reality.
4. The New Objectivity movement in the 1920s embraced realism by focusing on unembellished subjects and direct compositions in response to the chaotic social environment post-World War I.
5. Straight photography, which emerged as a major style in the early 20th century, reinforced realism by advocating for unaltered images that presented subjects in their true forms.

Review Questions

• How did realism challenge the artistic norms established by Romanticism in the context of photography?
  • Realism directly opposed Romanticism's focus on idealized beauty and emotional expression by emphasizing authenticity and the representation of everyday life. Photographers sought to document ordinary subjects without embellishment or artistic manipulation, capturing genuine moments as they occurred. This shift allowed for a more relatable and truthful portrayal of society, reflecting real human experiences rather than romantic fantasies.
• Discuss the role of Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in advancing the principles of realism within early photography.
  • Joseph Nicéphore Niépce played a crucial role in advancing realism through his innovative techniques like heliography. His work aimed to capture real-life scenes accurately, laying the groundwork for future developments in photography that prioritized authenticity. By producing one of the first permanent photographs, Niépce demonstrated how photography could represent reality, making it an essential tool for documenting the world as it is.
• Evaluate the impact of the New Objectivity movement on the evolution of realism in photography during the 20th century.
  • The New Objectivity movement significantly impacted realism by shifting focus towards unembellished depictions of life amid a backdrop of social upheaval following World War I. This movement encouraged photographers to document reality with clarity and precision, eschewing romanticized portrayals for stark, honest representations. As a result, it paved the way for modern photography practices that prioritize straightforwardness and authenticity, influencing both documentary styles and contemporary art.

Related terms

Naturalism: A detailed and realistic portrayal of nature and everyday life, often emphasizing scientific accuracy and observation.

Documentary Photography: A style of photography aimed at providing a straightforward representation of people, events, or environments, often used to convey social or political messages.

Pictorialism:

An early photographic movement that emphasized artistic expression over realism, often using soft focus and manipulation to create painterly images.