Social realism - Definition and Overview

Social Realism is a term used to describe visual and other realistic arts depicting working class activities as heroic. Especially common in communist countries. Linked with and often confused with Socialist Realism, the official art style of the Soviet Union.

The American painters Ben Shahn, Leon Bibel, the Australian painter Noel Counihan and the Mexican painters José Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera are all examples of Social Realists.

The Australian playwright and novelist Dorothy Hewett is an example of a Social Realist author.