The artwork titled “Oklahoma Migrant Stalled in the California Desert in 1937” was created by Dorothea Lange in 1937. This photographic piece is part of the Social Realism movement and falls within the genre of documentary photography.
In the artwork, a vehicle is seen halted on the side of a desolate road in the California desert. The car is heavily loaded with belongings, indicating a journey and possibly a search for better opportunities. A man stands with his hands on his hips outside the vehicle, looking away and standing in a contemplative posture. The image captures a moment of pause during a challenging journey, embodying themes of displacement and perseverance during the Great Depression era. The stark surroundings and the worn-out car contribute to the overall narrative of struggle and resilience faced by many migrants during that time.