How did the Great Depression influence photography and visual arts?

History The Great Depression Questions



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How did the Great Depression influence photography and visual arts?

The Great Depression had a significant impact on photography and visual arts. During this time, many artists and photographers captured the harsh realities of the economic crisis and its effects on society. The Depression led to a shift in artistic styles, with many artists embracing realism and social realism to depict the struggles and hardships faced by ordinary people. Photographers like Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans documented the plight of the unemployed and migrant workers, creating iconic images that brought attention to the human suffering caused by the Depression. The government also played a role in promoting art during this time through programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which employed artists to create public artworks and murals. Overall, the Great Depression influenced photography and visual arts by inspiring a focus on social issues and providing a platform for artists to express the realities of the time.