Drought Refugees from Oklahoma Camping by the Roadside, Blythe, California, August 1936 1936

Editor: Dorothea Lange’s black and white photograph, "Drought Refugees from Oklahoma Camping by the Roadside, Blythe, California, August 1936," is a powerful image. The weary expressions really strike me. What do you see in this piece, considering its history? Curator: Lange's photograph became an iconic image of the Dust Bowl migration, shaping public perception of the human cost of the Depression. How do you think this image functioned in the context of the 1930s? Editor: It seems like it would have brought awareness to the struggles of these migrants. Curator: Exactly. Lange’s work, commissioned by the Farm Security Administration, aimed to generate support for government relief programs. It's a stark reminder of how art can serve as a powerful tool for social commentary. Editor: That's really interesting. I hadn't considered the political aspect so directly. Curator: Understanding the historical context reveals how Lange's photograph played a significant role in shaping the narrative around the Great Depression and influencing policy.