“Smears of Jam, Lights of Jelly” is a 2007 still life artwork by Mary Pratt, a prominent figure in the photorealism art movement. The painting features two glass jars, one filled with a red-colored jam and the other with an orange jelly, both situated on a reflective surface. The consistency and translucent quality of the contents are meticulously rendered, capturing the interplay of light and texture which exudes a lifelike quality. The artist’s skillful attention to detail in depicting the variations of light filtering through the jars highlights the visual beauty of everyday objects, transforming a simple kitchen scene into a subject of artistic admiration. The deliberate use of reflection, color contrast, and shadow enhances the overall impression of realism, which is a hallmark of photorealism. Mary Pratt’s work in this piece exemplifies a profound appreciation for the ordinary, elevating it through precise and sensitive observation.
