I'm not sure if this notion is entirely accurate if taken too literally, especially in light of one of the more recent modern American artistic movements. On the surface the Photorealists? intentions seem strictly comprised of craftsmanship; primarily encompassing very competent draftsmanship and a thorough working knowledge of the mediums they use. As such photorealism would represent no ?value? as it is merely the regurgitation of photographic information. Yet, one of the first generation Photorealists seems to contradict this notion.
Richard Estes' initial decision to use the aid of a mechanical eye (camera), unapologetically, demonstrated his desire for a certain visual objectivity that only a mechanical instrument could reproduce and only a master painter could honor or as he later did refine.
In his later works he literally moved buildings and shifted roads to create idealistic compositions that at first glance seemed like a simple regurgitation of photographic imagery. The images were crisply modeled and detached from visual impurities like photographic blur and atmospheric perspective while infusing the unnatural consolidation of multiple perspectives. In turn he presented the modern urban environment in an intensely vivid manner that no single photograph or human eye could accurately reproduce on its own.
His technical abilities (which embody years of refinement) are bred from a desire to empower visual objectivity with human refinement. This notion alone has many specific philosophical connotations that allude to his personal values.
Of course Rand?s notion still stands as it was Estes? decisions as to how to use his technical ability that provided the context of his values.
Anyways, his cityscapes are gorgeous you should check them out.
And here is a quote form another photorealist Charles Bell that somewhat reaffirms Rand?s notion.
?Consider the lifework of the great artists. They were out more to please themselves than you. If they had been out to please you more then they would have been Illustrators, artists working 'on assignment.' Name a great artist and you?ll find someone on a personal journey in life, and the art is just the footprints."
