What is the focus of social realism as an artistic movement?

Social realism as an artistic movement is focused on capturing and portraying everyday life and the social issues that affect people within society. This movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the hardships faced by the working class and marginalized communities, particularly during times of economic and political change. Artists associated with social realism sought to bring attention to societal struggles, such as poverty, labor conditions, and injustices, often using their artworks to advocate for social change.

By depicting realistic scenes of ordinary people and their daily experiences, social realism aims to evoke empathy and provoke thought regarding the conditions of those depicted. This approach contrasts sharply with idealized representations of life, which focus on perfection and beauty rather than the harsh realities faced by individuals and communities. Additionally, social realism is firmly rooted in reality rather than abstract forms or romanticized interpretations of historical events, emphasizing a direct connection to the social environment and the pressing issues of the time.