Realism: An Exhibition @ The Gallery, Liverpool, until 28 Jun

Realism as an artistic movement is, by its nature, accessible, and free of artifice and romanticism. Featuring several contemporary British artists working within the genre, a thoughtfully curated show at The Gallery Liverpool presents modern still life, hyperrealism and portraiture side by side, revealing the aesthetic variety of contemporary realism.

Merseyside’s own Steve Caldwell deals in highly detailed acrylic portraits, so photorealistic that they provoke the viewer to take second and third looks, just to confirm they’re not the work of a savvy Photoshop user. As if to challenge the naysayers, Caldwell has left some of the pieces unfinished, to show the process involved.

Matthew Stradling’s The Mothers is a breathtaking celebration of two identical middle-aged women, who stand naked and unapologetic. The artist's masterful depiction of flesh and the human form is so intensely realistic, it’s unnerving.

Acclaimed figurative artist Sadie Lee’s skilful method of under-lighting her subjects – who are scantily clad and caked in make-up – is compelling, exquisite even. In spite of their somewhat grotesque representation, her models betray a subtle dignity, and dare the viewer to create a narrative for them. Contrasting with Lee’s work are Pam Hawkes’ modern-gothic close-ups. Hawkes’ fascination with storytelling and religious iconography transcends the traditional imagery and materials that she uses, yielding striking and haunting portraits. Bryan Hible, meanwhile, breaks up the portraiture love-in with tidbits from his Life's a Game series, which depicts board games mid-play.

Realism is forgiving. If you can’t quite decipher your Courbet from your Daumier, no matter: the genre doesn’t care. This exhibition serves as a grateful reminder that paintings don’t have to be abstract and illusive to be constituted 'art', and that, sometimes, the ordinary can be extraordinary. It would be a real shame to let Realism: An Exhibition go unnoticed amid the LOOK/13 festival frenzy. [Frances Barrett]