Housing, Conditions: United States. New Jersey. Newark: Housing Conditions in Newark, New Jersey: II. Flash light photograph of dark room in building shown in I showing bad state of repair permitted by landlord and poor maintenance on the part of the tenant. c. 1903

Curator: This image, taken by Jessie Tarbox Beals, is titled "Housing, Conditions: United States. New Jersey. Newark: Housing Conditions in Newark, New Jersey: II." The flash photograph shows a dark room in a Newark building. It captures a space in disrepair. Editor: The somber mood is palpable, isn't it? The stark contrast emphasizes the bleakness, and the seemingly small room feels incredibly claustrophobic. Curator: Beals, one of the first female photojournalists, often documented the harsh realities of urban life. This image functions as social commentary, highlighting failures in housing and living conditions. Editor: Absolutely. The inclusion of the religious image on the wall—Juxtaposed with the squalor—feels particularly pointed. It speaks to the complex intersection of faith, poverty, and the lived experience. The perspective invites questions about responsibility. Curator: The photograph, now housed at the Harvard Art Museums, reminds us that art can serve as a powerful tool for social change. Editor: It certainly prompts reflection. The work remains relevant as a reminder of systemic inequalities.