The 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed a profound interplay between artistic expression and socio-political movements. This relationship is vividly illustrated by examining three distinct yet interconnected spheres: modern sculpture, Hollywood cinema, and photojournalism as a social activism tool. Modern sculpture, breaking away from traditional representational forms, often served as a potent symbol of social change. Think of Constantin Brancusi's streamlined forms, reflecting a modernist rejection of ornate Victorian styles, or the monumental, often abstract sculptures of Barbara Hepworth, hinting at a more harmonious and egalitarian future. These works, however, were not merely aesthetic statements; they were embedded within larger conversations about industrialization, urbanization, and the changing nature of society. Hollywood cinema, meanwhile, provided a powerful, albeit often commercially driven, platform for exploring social issues. From early social realist films depicting the struggles of the working class to later politically charged narratives addressing civil rights, gender equality, and the Vietnam War, movies mirrored and shaped public opinion. Consider the impact of films like "The Grapes of Wrath," which brought the plight of Dust Bowl migrants to a national audience, or the anti-war sentiment expressed in films like "Apocalypse Now." However, Hollywood's engagement with social issues was often complex, navigating commercial pressures and the inherent limitations of the mass media landscape. Photojournalism played a critical role in documenting and shaping public perception of social movements. From Dorothea Lange's iconic images of the Great Depression to the powerful photographs of war zones and civil rights protests, photojournalists became visual storytellers, exposing social inequalities and inspiring social action. The immediacy and emotional impact of these images, often bypassing the filters of official narratives, challenged dominant power structures and amplified marginalized voices. Yet, questions of bias, representation, and the ethical implications of visual documentation have continuously accompanied photojournalism’s influence. These three art forms, despite their differing mediums and modes of engagement, were deeply entangled with broader cultural and political developments. They each reflected, refracted, and, to a certain degree, shaped the social and political landscape of the 20th and early 21st centuries, underscoring the complex relationship between artistic creation and societal transformation.
1. The passage primarily focuses on which of the following relationships?
2. According to the passage, what is a key characteristic of modern sculpture's role in social change?
3. The passage suggests that Hollywood cinema's engagement with social issues was:
4. Which of the following best describes the role of photojournalism as depicted in the passage?