How Did Social Realists Feel About Modern Art?

Art|Modern Art

Social realists were a group of artists and writers in the 19th and 20th centuries who believed that art should reflect the realities of everyday life, rather than the idealized views of society found in classical paintings. They felt that modern art was too abstract, focusing on form and color rather than on the struggles and joys of everyday people.

Social realists sought to create art that captured the beauty of everyday life, as well as its hardships. They sought to depict a more realistic view of the world, focusing on the struggles of working-class people and those living in poverty. Many social realists used photography as their primary medium, capturing scenes from everyday life that could not be depicted with paint or sculpture.

Social realists also believed in using art as a means to promote social change. They often depicted scenes of labor unrest or political unrest, hoping to create a sense of solidarity among those who viewed their work. Their goal was to make viewers think about issues such as poverty, inequality, and injustice.

Modern art was seen by many social realists as too commercialized or stylized for their tastes. While they appreciated some aspects of modern art such as its use of bold colors and abstract forms, they were more interested in realism and creating works that accurately depicted everyday life. They wanted their work to have an impact on viewers by presenting them with images that showed them how people lived and worked during different times in history.

In conclusion, social realists had mixed feelings about modern art; while they appreciated certain aspects such as its use of bold colors and abstract forms, they felt it was too stylized for their tastes and failed to depict accurately everyday life. They sought to create works that highlighted the struggles faced by working-class people while also promoting social change through art.