Richard Estes is one of the leading artists in the
photorealist movement, which dates back to the 1960s and 1970s. As is clear from a current exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design, he focuses on New York City in his paintings, which are so detailed that they look
like photographs. This impression is deceptive; actually, Estes takes a number of
photos of a scene and shifts objects before working on a composition.
The result is always a remarkable study of light, shadows
and, especially, multiple window reflections.
Estes’ photorealism, however, is related to realism as virtual reality
is related to reality. Those who live here will not recognize this
New York City. Many of the scenes have few if any people. The surfaces are
slick, shiny, clean and antiseptic. Estes’ superb technical skills are
put to the service of a cold vision. In contrast, the artist Red Grooms, for
all the cartoon-like aspect of his work, presents the city as raucous and
filled with a wild variety of humanity. His is ultimately the more realistic,
lived-in vision.
The museum takes a unique perspective on Estes as a
craftsman. In emphasizing his creative process, the exhibition presents the
photos, silkscreens and woodcuts that are the raw materials of Estes’ art.
Above: "Columbus Circle Looking North," 2009
Above: "Columbus Circle Looking North," 2009
“Richard Estes: Painting New York City” continues through
September 20, 2015, at the Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, NYC,
212-299-7777, www.madmuseum.org
