Rudolf Stingel's photorealistic paintings represent a significant and introspective component of his diverse body of work. Engaging deeply with the medium of painting, Stingel explores themes of memory, perception, and the passage of time through these meticulously rendered works. His technique often involves the transformation of photographs into large-scale paintings, where the photorealistic accuracy serves not only as a technical achievement but also as a means of invoking emotional depth and questioning the nature of representation itself.

One of Stingel's remarkable photorealistic works, created in 2009, depicts a large-scale mountain range, evoking a sense of cold disinterest and inhumanity. This particular painting, based on a photograph of a photograph, showcases Stingel's ability to capture the granular surface and the deteriorated quality of the original print, thereby engaging with themes of memory and decay. This approach reinvigorates the Romantic tradition for the contemporary era, embedding personal and autobiographical elements into the work​ (Sothebys.com)​.

Throughout his career, Stingel has consistently pushed the boundaries of painting, employing unconventional materials and methods to explore the act of creation. His series of photorealistic paintings, including portrayals of himself at various life stages based on photographs by Sam Samore and landscapes based on vintage photographs of the Tyrolean Alps, underline his exploration of identity and place​ (Wikipedia)​. Additionally, his series inspired by animal portraits and other subjects further exemplifies his interest in the intersection of the natural world and human perception​ (Beyeler Art)​.

Stingel's yearlong project at Park & 75, which concluded with Part VIII, featured paintings inspired by the murals at the Carlyle Hotel’s Bemelmans Bar. These works, rendered in color, are photorealistic depictions that continue his exploration of memory and the layering of images, highlighting the transformative process from photograph to painting​ (Gagosian)​.

Through these photorealistic works, Stingel invites viewers to contemplate the processes behind artistic creation and the ways in which images are constructed, perceived, and experienced. His work challenges traditional notions of painting and authorship, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary art discussions.