What movement is known for realistically portraying the less appealing aspects of modern life?

The Ashcan School is recognized for its commitment to portraying the gritty realities of everyday life in urban settings. Artists associated with this movement sought to capture scenes from the streets of cities, often highlighting the struggles of the working class and the less glamorous aspects of modern life. This approach marked a departure from the idealized landscapes and subjects typical of previous art movements.

Influential figures in the Ashcan School included artists like Robert Henri, George Luks, and John Sloan, who often depicted subjects such as tenement buildings, bustling city life, and the complexities of human existence in less refined forms. Their emphasis on realism and the raw, unembellished representation of daily experiences was a vital element in moving American art toward a more authentic interpretation of life.

In contrast, the other movements listed focus on different themes. The Hudson River School is primarily celebrated for its romanticized landscapes, idealizing nature rather than the stark realities of urban living. Folk Art tends to highlight traditional or naive artistic expressions that celebrate cultural heritage, while Minimalism focuses on simplicity and abstraction, often stripping art of overt social commentary or representation of life’s harsher realities.