For my presentation, I have chosen to interpret the work of Jacob Riis, a photojournalist best known for his work in urban reform as a photojournalist documenting the slums of New York City in the late 19th century. Riis worked to expose the squalor and devastating conditions of New York’s impoverished communities to the public in hopes of alleviating their hardship. The images I chose reveal Riis’ consistencies and variances in composition all while maintaining themes of injustice and social reform. 

 

After being introduced to Jacob Riis’ work in my Planning Sustainable Communities class last semester, I have been fascinated by his impact. Riis’ ability to allow his images to tell their own story and reveal the devastating realities of poverty has changed my perception of photography. It is important to find the line between displaying an untold story and letting the story display itself, especially in ethically evaluative photography. Ultimately, I am inspired by Jacob Riis’  photographic work and his greater influence on social reform, public health, and sustainability.