“Split Grilse,” created in 1979 by the artist Mary Pratt, is a notable example of Photorealism within the still life genre. The artwork meticulously captures the precise details and textures of its subject, embodying the movement’s commitment to high fidelity and realism.
In the artwork, two fillets of grilse, a type of salmon, are prominently displayed. They are depicted with exquisite detail, emphasizing the vivid orange hue and the intricate, fleshy texture of the fish. The fish fillets rest upon a semi-translucent surface, likely a sheet of wax paper, which enhances the realism by showing subtle crinkles and reflections. The composition is striking in its simplicity, focusing on the raw, natural beauty of the fillets themselves. The interplay of light and shadow further accentuates the texture and color, evoking a lifelike presence that is characteristic of Photorealism.
