Final answer:
Chiaroscuro is the term used for the artistic technique of using dramatic light and shadows to create the illusion of volume in two-dimensional artwork, popularized during the Renaissance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique artists use to show extreme light from a particular direction, creating a strong contrast between light and shadow, is called chiaroscuro. This artistic technique was popularized during the Renaissance and involves the use of exaggerated light contrasts to create the illusion of volume on a two-dimensional surface. Caravaggio is a notable artist who employed chiaroscuro to give his paintings a dramatic and realistic effect, enhancing the visual tension for the viewer.