The document discusses three artworks - Stonebreakers by Gustave Courbet, The Third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya, and Sunflower Seeds by Ai Weiwei - that challenged societal norms and preferences through social critique. Each work conveyed a message of critique through symbolism, figure positioning, historical context, color usage, and other artistic elements. By making bold statements through their art, these artists helped change views and progression of art over centuries.