Which of the following best represents the focus of Social Realism?

The focus of Social Realism is best represented by figurative images of the masses. This art movement emerged primarily in the 1920s and 1930s as a reaction against the more elite or abstract art forms prevalent at the time. Artists within the Social Realism movement aimed to represent the everyday lives and struggles of working-class individuals and the broader social issues affecting society. By depicting the masses, artists captured the realities of urban life, labor, and social injustice, all while striving to evoke empathy and provoke social change.

The other options do not align with the core principles of Social Realism. Abstract interpretations of emotions tend to depart from literal representation, focusing instead on conveying feelings through non-representational forms and colors, which is contrary to the explicit narrative and realism in Social Realism. Depicting the beauty of nature is often associated with Romanticism or Impressionism, where the focus is more on aesthetic appreciation rather than social commentary. Lastly, personal introspection through portraiture emphasizes individual subjects and inner thoughts, diverting from the collective experience and broader societal themes that Social Realism seeks to highlight.