Dorothea Lange

Definition

Dorothea Lange was a prominent American documentary photographer and photojournalist known for her impactful images that captured the plight of marginalized communities during the Great Depression. Her work not only highlights the struggles of individuals, particularly women and ethnic minorities, but also serves as a powerful commentary on social injustices and the representation of gender, race, and ethnicity in art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lange's most famous photograph, 'Migrant Mother,' depicts a destitute mother with her children during the Great Depression and has become an iconic image representing the era's struggles.
2. She used her photography to advocate for social change, emphasizing the dignity of her subjects and raising awareness about poverty and injustice.
3. Lange's work often focused on women and children, portraying their resilience and hardships in the face of economic despair.
4. Her photographs were instrumental in influencing public perception and government policies regarding the needs of displaced individuals during the Great Depression.
5. In addition to her FSA work, Lange documented Japanese American internment camps during World War II, further showcasing her commitment to social justice through photography.

Review Questions

• How did Dorothea Lange's photography challenge societal views on gender and race during the Great Depression?
  • Lange's photography challenged societal views by humanizing those who were often marginalized or ignored during the Great Depression. By focusing on women and children in her images, she emphasized their struggles and resilience in a time of widespread poverty. Her work prompted viewers to empathize with her subjects, breaking down stereotypes related to gender roles and ethnic identities while bringing attention to social injustices.
• Discuss the role of documentary photography in conveying social issues as exemplified by Lange's work.
  • Documentary photography plays a crucial role in conveying social issues by capturing real-life experiences and presenting them to a broader audience. Lange's work exemplifies this by documenting the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities during the Great Depression. Her images served not only as artistic expressions but also as powerful tools for advocacy, prompting discussions about poverty, displacement, and government responsibility toward its citizens.
• Evaluate how Dorothea Lange's contributions to art reflect broader changes in American society regarding race, gender, and class in the 20th century.
  • Dorothea Lange's contributions to art reflect significant changes in American society as they highlight the intersectionality of race, gender, and class struggles throughout the 20th century. By focusing on marginalized groups in her photography, she drew attention to systemic inequalities that often went unacknowledged. Her work not only documented historical events but also sparked conversations about social justice that resonate today, demonstrating how art can be a catalyst for change and awareness in society.

Related terms

FSA (Farm Security Administration): A New Deal agency that aimed to combat rural poverty during the Great Depression, which employed Lange to document the lives of displaced farmers and their families.

Humanistic photography: A style of photography focused on capturing the human condition and evoking empathy through visual storytelling, often used by Lange in her works.

Documentary photography: A genre of photography that provides a straightforward and accurate representation of people, places, and events, aimed at creating awareness and prompting social change.