Sparrow and Hummingbird

Though more expensive and significant pieces have been added to the Ungar Collection since the purchase of Sparrow and Hummingbird, they are important early pieces of the collection. Painted by REME Jr., a Bulgarian based artist, the pair exemplify the genre of photorealism. Several visitors to the collection, in fact, initially mistook the paintings for photographs until further study of the information card.

Photorealism is an art movement that emerged mainly in the United States in the late 1960s. It is characterised by paintings and drawings that are executed with such attention and precision that they resemble high-resolution photographs. Though some detractors view photorealism as mechanical rather than expressive, the awe and wonder of nature the viewer enjoys is undeniable in these works.

In addition to the attention and precision aforementioned, REME Jr. also is noted for presenting his watercolours on the highest quality Fabriano paper. As the Ungar Collection continues to “grow” these two wonderful paintings highlight a burgeoning “bird room.”