New Realism

Exhibition Overview: 

New Realism captures scenes of everyday life and the American landscape, celebrating the enduring tradition of contemporary realism in American art. While modernism and abstraction dominated early 20th-century American art, a fresh, contemporary realist style emerged by the late 1960s and 1970s, integrating the influences of modernism with the technical precision and observational depth of realism. This unique fusion developed into a style described in various ways—from contemporary realism and American realism to post-abstraction and modern realism—ultimately embracing a new form of realism.

This exhibition presents works by artists who represent objects in a realistic, straightforward manner, unfiltered by sentimentality and marked by high technical skill. Although not a formally organized movement, contemporary realist artists are united by their ability to portray life with clarity and insight, drawing from everyday subjects such as landscapes, portraiture, domestic scenes, and still lifes. These artists maintain a contemporary awareness and integrate techniques shaped by modern art movements, resulting in works that resonate with today’s audiences.

As Virginia Mecklenburg, Senior Curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, notes, “Realist artists essentially turn observation into revelation. They create those ‘ah-ha’ moments that crystallize our ideas and feelings.” This exhibition showcases the best of contemporary realism, offering viewers profound reflections on modern American life. New Realism explores the intersection of traditional representational art and contemporary sensibilities, showcasing how American artists have redefined realism through modern perspectives. 

New Realism honors the tradition of realism while acknowledging the influence of modernism and contemporary concerns. It reflects the technical skill and innovative spirit of artists who engage with the ordinary world, transforming it into something extraordinary through art. As viewers walk through each section, they are invited to reconsider their own observations of the world and perhaps find their own “ah-ha” moments in the familiar scenes of everyday life.

Exhibition Sections:

• Nature Reconsidered: The Realism of the Natural World
• Objects of the Everyday: The Poetry of Ordinary Things
• Portraiture and the Human Figure
• Narrative Scenes: Everyday Stories in Modern Life

Contents:

• 70 paintings, drawings, and prints representing contemporary American realism, emphasizing landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and scenes from daily life 
• Subject matter highlights the universal, relatable aspects of modern life through a technically skilled, realistic approach
  

Space Requirements:

3,500–4,000 square feet (adjustable to fit your institution’s space)

Rental Fee and Terms:

• $35,000 for a 12-week rental period, plus round-trip shipping via an approved fine art carrier
• Additional weeks are available at a pro-rated rate
• A 50% deposit is due upon signing the rental agreement, with the remaining balance due within 30 days of the exhibition’s opening date at venue

Tour Dates:

Exhibition available to travel in 2026 and beyond

Checklist:

A detailed checklist is available upon request. 

For further information or to book this exhibition, please email curatorial@hsvmuseum.org.

Featured Artists