Photorealism is a contemporary art movement that began in the late 1960s in the United States. This style of art is characterized by a hyper-realistic portrayal of the subject matter, often to the point where the resulting artwork is almost indistinguishable from a photograph. Photorealism artists use a range of techniques and mediums, including painting, drawing, and even sculpture, to create works that appear incredibly life-like.

One of the most iconic examples of Photorealism is the work of American artist Chuck Close. His portraits, which are created through a meticulous process of layering tiny dots of paint, are so realistic that they almost seem like photographs. Another prominent Photorealism artist is Richard Estes, whose works depict urban landscapes and city scenes with a level of detail that is truly astonishing.

Despite its emphasis on realism, Photorealism is not simply a matter of copying a photograph. Artists in this movement often manipulate and alter their source material to create a unique interpretation of the subject. Additionally, the level of skill and technical ability required to produce photorealistic works is staggering, often requiring months or even years of work to complete a single piece.