Sa Bawat Butil ng Bigas (For Every Grain of Rice)
Hyperrealism
When Nestor Leynes, the father of Philippine Magic Realism, first began the hyperrealist movement, he received criticism for creating images with incredible photographic detail, leading some to question his artistic vision.
“Why paint something that would look like a photograph?” This question raises a fundamental point about honesty in art – the artist’s aim is to paint the world exactly as they see it. However, hyperrealism goes beyond just capturing reality. It invites the viewer to appreciate the time and effort the artist has invested in crafting every detail of the artwork, leading to a sense of fascination. By contemplating the value of the artist’s time, viewers may also try to connect with the artist’s thoughts and motivations while creating the piece.
Today, Hyperrealism is a specific genre in visual arts that continues to fascinate both artists and viewers alike. It involves creating images and compositions that are so realistic that one might overlook them if it were not for the artist’s incredible effort to portray them on canvas.
