Final answer:
Cultural contributions in the photographs from 1930-1945 reflect the Great Depression to World War II era in American history, encompassing transformative artistic expressions in photography and sculpture, along with the Harlem Renaissance which celebrated African-American culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cultural contributions depicted in the photographs in question were developed during a period in American history marked by significant societal changes, spanning the Great Depression through World War II, specifically from 1930-1945. During these tumultuous times, artistic expression in photography and sculpture underwent remarkable transformations. Artists were influenced by the societal conditions, the clash between old and new, and the civil rights movements, which led to a surge in African-American cultural production known as the Harlem Renaissance.
This era also saw the introduction of new styles and practices in photography and sculpture. Not only was there a confrontation between traditional and modernist techniques, but there was also an infusion of new cultural perspectives into American art. The Harlem Renaissance significantly contributed to this cultural evolution, fostering a sense of pride and identity among African-American artists who highlighted their cultural heritage through various forms of artistic expression.
Beyond the United States, artistic evolution was also taking place internationally. In places like West Africa, studio photography progressed from traditional realist styles to more imaginative representations from the 1950s to the early 2000s, as seen in Liam Buckley's anthropological research. Meanwhile, European engagement with African culture at the turn of the 20th century also influenced modern art, leading to what is often referred to as the African Period where African artifacts strongly influenced artists like Pablo Picasso.