Tug Manning Freighter, San Francisco Bay c. 1925

Editor: This is William Dassonville's "Tug Manning Freighter, San Francisco Bay," a monochromatic photograph held at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels very industrial, almost ominous. What’s your take on it? Curator: The image speaks volumes about the political economy of its time. The freighter, a symbol of trade and expansion, is tethered to the tug—a relationship reflecting power dynamics. How might we interpret this in light of labor history and the environmental impact of maritime industries? Editor: That’s a powerful perspective. I hadn’t considered the labor aspect. Curator: Consider also the photographic process itself. It freezes a moment of progress, yet whispers of exploitation and environmental cost. It prompts us to ask: progress for whom, and at what expense? Editor: It definitely adds a new layer to how I see the image. Curator: Indeed. Art often serves as a mirror, reflecting not just beauty, but the complex societal structures that shape our world.