While hyperrealism was the subject of numerous publications when it burst onto the scene in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, it subsequently became practically impossible to find an article, a review or a book dealing with the subject taking a global approach.

Delving into the study of hyperrealism is unique in that it quickly leads us to detach ourselves from preconceived notions: “it looks like a photograph,” “it's the work of a copyist, a laborious craftsman,” “a top-of-the-class artist.”

Well, no, the first thing to do is to abandon these all-too-convenient labels to understand the ori­g­ins and influences of the movement. We must accept the idea that this same family of prac­tices is part of the lineage of movements as diverse as Academic Painting, Abstract Art, Conceptual Art, and Pop Art; even if photography remains central to the process.

Some explanations are necessary to explain this diversity and to find meaning in this newfound complexity.

Louis K. Meisel, coined the word PHOTOREALISM in 1969. He has written all the books on the movement and artists. Our gallery is pleased to offer a selection of its fine exhibition catalogs and books for sale.

The chart

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Sixty Years! – What painting movement can claim a lifespan of sixty years and still be relevant today? Arte Povera? Free Figuration? Cobra? Fluxus? … all disappeared after five to ten years of existence.

No, the answer to this question is hyperrealism. Born in the mid-1960s, it has seen one, two, and then three generations of artists perpetuate the movement. 

A few explanations are necessary to explain this longevity …

Plus One Gallery was founded in 2001 by Colin Petit and Maggie Bollaert. Originally situated in Seymour Place, Marylebone the gallery moved to Pimlico Road in 2006 and enjoyed 10 years in this iconic part of London. Plus One Gallery relocated to the Piper Building (Fulham) in April 2018 to an ultra modern space, an exciting new venture that accommodates to our clients needs, we now run by appointment only making every visit a far more personal experience. 

(version français)

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Si l’Hyperréalisme a fait l’objet de nombreuses publications à l’époque de son explosion à la fin des années 60 et au début des années 70, il est par la suite devenu pratiquement impossible de trouver un article, une revue ou un ouvrage traitant le sujet selon une approche globale.

Comme s’il s’était agi d’un mouvement spasmodique de mode aussi vite oublié qu’il était apparu.

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