The "Pictures Generation" refers to a group of American artists who emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s, known for their innovative use of imagery and media. This movement is characterized by the appropriation of images from popular culture, advertising, and mass media, often recontextualizing them to explore themes of identity, consumerism, and representation. Key figures include Cindy Sherman, Richard Prince, and Sherrie Levine. Artists of the Pictures Generation often employed photography, video, and installation to challenge traditional notions of art and authorship. Their work critiques the saturation of images in contemporary society, questioning how these visuals shape our understanding of reality. This movement has had a lasting impact on contemporary art and visual culture.