Shain Gallery, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is excited to highlight the exceptional paintings of six significant artists in its Realism Group Show. Beginning June 3, Karen Hollingsworth, Stuart Dunkel, Vita Kobylkina, Sally Tharp, Mary Calengor and invitational artist Brooke Lancaster come together to display hyperrealistic artworks that make quite the impact.
The term hyperrealism, as defined by Tate, “appeared in the early 1970s to describe a resurgence of particularly high-fidelity realism in sculpture and painting at that time.” The organization also notes that it can also be called super-realism, “and in painting, is synonymous with photorealism. Leading painters were Chuck Close, Robert Bechtle, Richard Estes, Audrey Flack and Ralph Goings.”
These esteemed artists helped pave the way for today’s generation of realism painters, some of whom are displaying prominent works for Shain Gallery’s summer show. Atlanta artist Hollingsworth will showcase impressive pieces like The Guardians, which explores a darker, mysterious theme through her depiction of crows guarding an old steamer trunk.
Karen Hollingsworth, The Guardians, oil, 24 x 24"
“I’ve always been attracted to older objects—items that by their outward appearance show that they have had a life,” says Hollingsworth. “Painting the wear and tear of this steamer trunk with its battered and stained wood, the patina of the metal latches and lock was very satisfying. The crows add a sense of mystery. What is in the trunk that they are guarding?”
Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, and now living in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kobylkina will have seven pieces on display, including a standout piece titled Heddon Reel. “I like to collect vintage objects and my mother and I often go thrifting in local antique shops,” Kobylkina explains. “On one of our outings, I spotted the Heddon reel (a vintage fishing reel). Its classic shape and unique color and patina spoke to me. It was eight dollars-—score! I knew right away that it would showcase beautifully in a painting.” 
Vita Kobylkina, Heddon Reel, oil on panel, 14 x 14"
She continues, “I’m personally really attracted to a crisp, clean aesthetic and try to capture it in my work. Some of my favorite subjects are vintage objects, and I love the juxtaposition of the grungy object against a clean bright background. I think it really makes the subject pop and commands attention. I currently find myself choosing objects that have quite a bit more detail, and I’m also revisiting older subject matter to try to push myself on my realism journey. It’s very satisfying to get lost in the details and step back and have a sense of accomplishment.”
Dunkel’s work, bordering on whimsical, usually includes a most unusual subject. “I use my pet mouse, Chucky, as my persona as he deals with lifes’ little amazing happenstances,” he remarks. “He gets mad, sad, glad and scared as he encounters scary peppers, funny toys, frustrating situations, and futile attempts to get what he wants. I love playing with all the possibilities.”
Stuart Dunkel, Healthy Eating, oil on panel, 8 x 6"
For the development of Healthy Eating, in which Chucky is eating the inside of a pomegranate, Dunkel explains, “I think about Chucky’s fight for survival as he learns to eat a large carrot, find shelter in a pomegranate shell or how to carry a large fig home. He is having fun throwing sprinkles from a donut or starting to eat a whole pear starting with the stem.”
This wonderful selection of realistic artwork-—and many more—will be displayed at Shain Gallery through June 15. Collectors are encouraged to contact the gallery for more information about available works if unable to view the pieces in person. —
Shain Gallery 2823 Selwyn Avenue, Suite K • Charlotte, NC 28209 • (704) 334-7744 • www.shaingalllery.com
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