social realism
noun
a style of painting, especially of the 1930s in the U.S., in which the scenes depicted typically convey a message of social or political protest edged with satire.
social realist
-
a word derived from
social realism.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Lanchester is a magnetic writer who combines the skills of a social realist with this penchant for Nabokovian black humor and narrative trickery.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026
Primarily a sculptor and printmaker, Catlett worked in the social realist tradition and her work often celebrates the dignity of Black and brown working people, especially women.
From Salon ● Apr. 6, 2026
Before graduation Lindholm was tapped by Vinterberg, a co-founder of the Dogme 95 film movement, to help him write what would become the 2010 social realist feature “Submarino.”
From New York Times ● Oct. 26, 2022
‘Striking Figures: The Work of Francis De Erdely’ A survey of social realist paintings by the midcentury Los Angeles artist are on view May 14 through Oct.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2022
Created in 1879, it is considered a rare example of the artist painting a social realist scene.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2022
