Social Realism, write-up

Social Realism is the art movement which depicts the working class’s struggle during The 1930’s Great Depression in America. The artists who were part of the movement worked in visual arts, such as paints and photography. The movement was based on socialist political views, but should not be confused with Socialist Realism, a similar, but separate movement. Social Realism is not an “official” art, giving artists room for subjectivity. Social Realism is a reaction to the idealism of Romanticism, lead by the rich who ignored the poor. They were experiencing the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution. People were put into harsh conditions for work and were paid very little. The Social Realists “fought the beautiful art,” showing their side of the story, and that not all society is wonderful. Their art depicted the rough life style the working class had.