Like its cousin “reality,” the term “realism” is deceptively simple. Realism, as used to describe verisimilitude, sometimes does more to cloud a sense of truth than to clarify it.
Striving to bring some unity to the different fruitions of realism in art, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts has put together a juried exhibition of contemporary paintings. Juxtaposed with older works that incorporate similar technique, The New Reality exhibition features pieces that exemplify realism as it is today. Fifty-six artists from 10 countries are participating in the show. Sixty-five paintings are on display.
Through Nov. 16, The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield, (413) 263-6900, www.springfieldmuseums.org.