Regionalism or American Scene

The American Regionalism movement, also known as the American Scene Painters,

began during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. The movement is divided into two groups of artists with different approaches.

The Social Realists were devoted to depicting the social troubles of the suffering urban

lower class. The Regionalists painted more positive subjects, hoping to lead the nation

out of the depression by providing hope for a better future. This group often painted

midwestern rural scenes with themes of hard work and self-preservation.