Airbrushed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'airbrush' was coined in the early 20th century, merging 'air' and 'brush' to describe the tool that sprays paint using compressed air.
• Airbrushing technology advanced during the 1930s, initially used in the advertising and automotive industries for detailed designs.

Art and Design

• Airbrush techniques are popular in fine art, allowing artists to create gradients and intricate details that are hard to achieve with traditional brushes.
• In the 1960s, airbrushing became a defining technique in the psychedelic art movement, leading to vibrant, surreal designs on posters and album covers.

Pop Culture

• The late 20th century saw airbrushing become synonymous with fashion photography, enhancing models’ appearances in magazines and advertisements.
• In the realm of movies, airbrushing is often used in post-production to smooth out imperfections in actors’ skin, creating a flawless look.

Technology

• Modern digital airbrushing utilizes software like Photoshop, allowing for quick adjustments to images without physical tools.
• 3D printing technologies have begun incorporating airbrush-like techniques to enhance the finishing of printed materials, pushing the boundaries of design.

Psychology

• The use of airbrushing in media can impact self-image and body perception, as it creates unrealistic standards of beauty that many feel pressured to achieve.
• Research has shown that exposure to airbrushed images can lead to body dissatisfaction among viewers, contributing to mental health issues.

Ranking #38,597, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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