Roberto Bernardi: Unfolding Hyperrealism in Nuremberg

With Unfolding, Roberto Bernardi presents his most extensive solo exhibition to date at Galerie VON&VON in Nuremberg, from 16 April to 20 June 2026. Bringing together works from different phases of his career, including recent paintings, the exhibition traces the development of a practice that occupies a distinct position between hyperrealism and photorealism.

At the center of Bernardi’s work are everyday objects that undergo a process of visual intensification. Candies, glass vessels, and reflective surfaces are rendered with such precision that they appear almost materially present. This effect is achieved through a highly controlled handling of light and reflection. Highlights are placed with exact intention, creating the illusion of glossy lacquer, mirrored surfaces, and depth that extends beyond the picture plane. The resulting images possess a striking immediacy, yet their impact depends on careful construction rather than spontaneity.

What distinguishes Bernardi’s still lifes is not only their technical accuracy but also their visual language. Objects are arranged in a way that emphasizes clarity, saturation, and surface. Bright colors and polished textures draw the viewer in, creating an initial sense of attraction. At the same time, this aesthetic of perfection introduces a certain tension. The works do not simply present objects but stage them, pointing to a world in which appearance and presentation are carefully constructed and constantly refined.

A closer look reveals that these images operate beyond visual seduction. The recurring motifs of sweets and highly polished objects suggest a culture oriented toward display, consumption, and immediacy. What seems playful at first becomes more ambiguous upon prolonged viewing. The flawless surfaces conceal a sense of instability, hinting at the fragility that underlies this constructed perfection.

The exhibition also highlights a shift within Bernardi’s recent work. While earlier paintings often relied on more reduced or monochrome backgrounds, newer compositions move toward greater spatial complexity. Objects are no longer fully isolated but begin to interact within a more developed pictorial space. This evolution expands his visual vocabulary without abandoning the precision that defines his practice.

Bernardi’s artistic formation was shaped in the early 2000s during his time in New York, where he engaged with central figures of American photorealism. This encounter placed his work in dialogue with artists such as Richard Estes, Chuck Close, Ralph Goings, Tom Blackwell, and Charles Bell. While this context remains relevant, Bernardi’s focus on still life and surface distinguishes his work within this lineage.

Parallel to the exhibition in Nuremberg, Bernardi’s work is included in Competition with Reality. 60 Years of Photorealism at Museum Frieder Burda in Baden Baden, taking place from 28 February to 2 August 2026. Within this context, his paintings are presented alongside earlier positions in photorealism, making it possible to compare different approaches to realism directly. While many earlier works in the movement focus on urban scenes or photographic source material, Bernardi’s emphasis on still life and highly controlled surface effects introduces a different per…