The Ashcan School

The Ashcan School was an American art movement in the early 20th century that focused on depicting everyday urban life, especially scenes of working-class neighborhoods and city streets. Artists like George Bellows and John Sloan aimed to portray the raw, unidealized reality of modern city life, capturing its energy, struggles, and ordinary people. Their style was often realistic with bold brushwork, emphasizing honesty over elegance. The movement challenged traditional art expectations by highlighting the beauty and significance of common urban experiences, leaving a lasting impact on American realism and social awareness in art.