Ralph Goings (American, 1928-2016)

Paintings

Summary of Artist Ralph Goings' Artwork, Style, and Background:

Identified as one of the foremost representatives of the Photorealist movement, Ralph Goings established his name with high-fidelity reproductions of everyday American life. His work, imbued with uncanny precision, offered ruminations on consumerism and visual culture. His art is considered a testament to the power of banality, transforming mundane scenes of diners, pickup trucks, and banks into profound artistic arguments. In the words of art critic Robert Hughes, "Goings offered a look into the mirror of American life, translating the transient details into enduring observations."

What Kind of Art Does Ralph Goings Make?

Ralph Goings pursued Photorealism, a genre emanating from the Pop Art movement of the late 1960s and early ‘70s. His work predominantly dwells on the American vernacular- diners, fast-food counters, pickup trucks, and bank facades. Consistently rendered with meticulous detail in oil on canvas, his work establishes an intriguing dynamic between the photographic source and the artist's interpretation. This interplay between illusion and reality is a characteristic hallmark of Goings' oeuvre.

What Methods Did Ralph Goings Utilize to Achieve Amazing Detail in His Work?

Goings adopted a methodical approach to his art, beginning with taking photos of the scenes he planned to depict. The photograph would then serve as his reference, allowing him to capture minute details and lighting conditions. This meticulous faithfulness to his source was combined with a masterful use of oil paint to create works of exceptional precision. This process has been aptly described by another Photorealist painter, Chuck Close: "Ralph was a genre unto himself. His methodology - the way he could make oil paint echo the veracity of a photograph – was nothing short of miraculous."

What Distinguishing Factors Help Identify a Ralph Goings Piece?

Goings' art is renowned for its hyper-realistic portrayal of everyday American life. The simplistic charm of roadside diners, the warm glow of the setting sun on a pickup truck, or the sterile sturdiness of a bank facade - all are impressions the artist meticulously transcribes on canvas. An exceptional level of detail, especially in the play of sunlight on different textures, is a remarkable characteristic of his work. As fellow Photorealist Robert Bechtle puts it: "Ralph could capture light in a way that made an ordinary scene feel tangible, warm, real - a window into the America we live in but often overlook."

What are the Most Famous Pieces by Ralph Goings?

Noteworthy among Goings' corpus are pieces like "White Chevy - Blue" and "A-1 Saucey". His series of diner scenes, characterized by striking detail and reflective surfaces, remains one of his most acclaimed sets of work. "Pickup with Camper", a masterful depiction of a parked vehicle in meticulous detail, also tends to be counted among his significant works.

The oil painting titled Helga is a characteristic example of Goings' art, demonstrating his keen eye for detail and accuracy. The piece showcases Goings' skill in bringing to life the intricate details of everyday scenes and objects, underlining his outstanding ability to capture life's simple, unembellished reality through his stipple of brush strokes.

How Did Ralph Goings Get Started?

Ralph Goings began his art education by studying Industrial Design at California College of Arts and Crafts before turning his attention toward Fine Art. His pursuit of Photorealism can be traced back to his experimentation with trompe-l'oeil technique during his time at Sacramento State College. In his own words, "My fascination with light and the way it interacts with various surfaces led me to explore the world around me through art."

Where Have Ralph Goings' Works Been Exhibited?

Goings' works have been displayed extensively on an international plane. Major exhibitions include the Meisel Gallery in New York, the Museum of Modern Art in Oxford, the Kunst-und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik in Germany, and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

What has the Impact of Goings' Work Been on American Art?

Goings' work has exerted a strong influence on the development of Photorealism and is held in high regard for documenting the fabric of late 20th-century America. His ability to transform the ordinary into extraordinary artistic statements has influenced not only fellow Photorealists but also artists outside his genre. Art historian Hilarie Faberman writes, "Ralph’s work taught us to see things for what they were and yet imbue them with the significance they were often denied. His work forms an essential part of the American pictorial narrative."

What Critical Acclaim Has Ralph Goings Received Over the Years?

Throughout his career, Goings remained a critical darling for his commitment to the Photorealist genre. His pieces have been included in numerous esteemed collections, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Art critic Kenneth Baker said of his work: "Few other artists have so succinctly and powerfully captured the intersection of utilitarianism and aesthetics in American everyday life."

Who Influenced Ralph Goings' Style?

Ralph Goings mentioned frequently how he was inspired by the likes of Edward Hopper and Johannes Vermeer. These influences are evident in his careful handling of light, shadow, and detail. His contemporary, Richard Estes, a fellow Photorealist, has notably said about Goings: "Ralph has an exceptional talent in imbuing his works with a magnetic pull that transcends the normative interpretation of Photorealism."

In What Ways Has His Work Influenced Contemporary Artists?

Ralph Goings' artistic legacy continues to influence later genre artists. His exceptional ability to capture the mundane yet charming essence of everyday American life influenced contemporary artists both within and outside the Photorealist genre. Australian hyperrealist artist, Robin Eley, once cited Goings' influence: "His work inspired me to see beauty in unexpected places and capture it with an almost surgical precision."