Ashcan School

The Ashcan School was an early 20th-century American art movement focused on depicting everyday urban life, particularly in New York City. Founded by a group of artists, including Robert Henri, the movement aimed to portray the realities of city living, often highlighting the working class and immigrant experiences. Ashcan artists used bold brushwork and a rich palette to capture the energy and grit of their surroundings. They rejected the idealized forms of traditional art, instead embracing spontaneity and authenticity, which helped lay the groundwork for modern art movements in the United States.