Dorothea Lange

Definition

Dorothea Lange was an influential American photographer best known for her impactful documentary work during the Great Depression. Her photographs, particularly those taken for the Farm Security Administration, played a crucial role in shaping public perception of poverty and social injustice, highlighting the struggles faced by displaced families and migrant workers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lange's most famous photograph, 'Migrant Mother,' was taken in Nipomo, California, and has become an enduring symbol of the Great Depression.
2. Her work helped to humanize the statistics of poverty and brought attention to the plight of rural Americans during a time of economic hardship.
3. Lange faced significant gender barriers in her career but persevered, becoming one of the most recognized figures in American photography.
4. The emotional depth and social commentary present in Lange's photographs influenced future generations of documentary photographers.
5. In addition to her work during the Great Depression, Lange continued to capture significant social issues throughout her life, including Japanese internment during World War II.

Review Questions

• How did Dorothea Lange's photography change public perceptions of poverty during the Great Depression?
  • Dorothea Lange's photography changed public perceptions of poverty by capturing raw and emotional images that highlighted the human suffering caused by the Great Depression. Her work, particularly through iconic photographs like 'Migrant Mother,' presented a stark reality that transcended statistics and allowed viewers to connect with the subjects on a personal level. This shift in perspective helped garner empathy and support for governmental relief programs aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by many Americans.
• Evaluate the impact of the Farm Security Administration on Lange's career and the broader field of documentary photography.
  • The Farm Security Administration played a significant role in both Dorothea Lange's career and the development of documentary photography as a respected genre. By employing Lange and other photographers to document rural poverty, the FSA provided a platform for their work to reach a wider audience. This not only enhanced Lange's visibility and influence but also established documentary photography as an essential tool for social change, influencing future artists to use their work as a means of advocating for justice and reform.
• Discuss how Dorothea Lange's approach to photography challenges traditional notions of art and representation in visual culture.
  • Dorothea Lange's approach challenges traditional notions of art and representation by prioritizing social issues over aesthetic concerns. Instead of focusing solely on beauty or technical perfection, she aimed to evoke empathy and awareness through her images. This focus on real-life struggles and the humanity behind each subject reshaped how visual culture viewed photography—not merely as art but as a powerful medium for storytelling and advocacy. Her work paved the way for future artists to incorporate social commentary into their practices, emphasizing the role of art in addressing societal problems.

Related terms

Documentary Photography: A genre of photography that captures real-life events and environments, often aiming to tell a story or convey a message about social issues.

Farm Security Administration (FSA): A New Deal agency established to combat rural poverty during the Great Depression, which employed photographers like Lange to document the lives of struggling farmers and migrant families.

Migrant Mother: A famous photograph taken by Dorothea Lange in 1936, depicting a destitute mother with her children, symbolizing the hardships of the Great Depression and becoming an iconic image of that era.