Focus on the Social Margins

Definition

This term refers to art that explores the lives, experiences, and issues of marginalized or overlooked groups in society, often highlighting themes of inequality, oppression, and resistance, as well as celebrating the resilience and culture of those on the social margins.

History

Art that focuses on the social margins has been a powerful tool for social critique and activism, particularly in documentary photography, social realism, and contemporary art, where artists often use their work to give voice to those who are disenfranchised or underrepresented in mainstream society.

Notable Examples

NALA term preview

Dorothea Lange

Migrant Mother, 1936

Key Artists & Movements

Key figures include Dorothea Lange, whose photographs documented the plight of American farmers during the Great Depression, highlighting the human impact of economic hardship, and Kara Walker, whose installations and silhouettes address the legacy of slavery and racism in America, often focusing on the experiences of marginalized communities.

Techniques & Materials

Techniques involve the use of photography, painting, sculpture, and installation to depict or address the lives of marginalized individuals and communities, often with a focus on realism, symbolism, or narrative to convey the complexities of their experiences. Artists may use their work to challenge social norms, advocate for change, or simply bring attention to the stories and perspectives of those who are often overlooked or silenced in society.

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