Housing, Conditions: United States. New Jersey. Newark: Housing Conditions in Newark, New Jersey: V. Spite fence over window as cause of darkness of room. c. 1903

Curator: Jessie Tarbox Beals, a pioneering photographer, captured this image titled "Housing Conditions in Newark, New Jersey: V. Spite fence over window as cause of darkness of room". Editor: Ugh, it feels claustrophobic, doesn’t it? Like a visual representation of being trapped. Curator: Beals' work often documented social issues. The "spite fence" highlights the deliberate creation of inhumane living conditions, reflecting broader urban inequalities. Editor: It's bleak. But look at the light struggling to break through that narrow space. It’s a testament to resilience, perhaps? Curator: Absolutely. These photos served as evidence, pushing for housing reforms and highlighting the plight of marginalized communities. Editor: I can almost hear the echoes of daily life bouncing off those brick walls. A potent reminder that art can be a powerful form of protest.