Light Peanuts 

Scott Fraser made this painting of peanuts with oil on panel. We see realism in painting as a neutral style, but this isn't always the case. Realism emerged in France in the mid-nineteenth century, partly as a response to the perceived artificiality of the art establishment. Artists like Courbet and Millet wanted to depict everyday subjects in a straightforward way, avoiding the idealized or dramatic scenes favored by the Academy. Fraser's work can be seen in the context of contemporary realism, a movement that emerged in the late 20th century. Artists are returning to traditional techniques of representation, focusing on close observation and detailed rendering. They may wish to challenge the dominance of abstract or conceptual art. To understand the work of a contemporary realist like Fraser, we can examine his stated intentions, reviews of his work, and sales. By placing this painting in its social and institutional context, we can better understand its significance.