The A1 Problem by Anthony Waichulis

Anthony Waichulis’ article on “The A1 Problem” examines what makes a painting appear “realistic.” Many assume that realism is achieved through higher detail, resolution, and precision, but Anthony argues that realism is less about copying objective aspects of the world and more about aligning with how viewers actually perceive and interpret images. Our brains don’t process reality like a high-resolution camera; rather, they construct experiences based on expectations, past experiences, and perceptual mechanisms. Because of this, an artist can create a compelling sense of realism not by obsessing over microscopic detail, but by making choices that trigger a viewer’s perception of reality in a way that feels authentic.

You can read Anthony’s article below: