Opening Reception for “Benedict J. Fernandez, Photojournalist: From the Hoboken Shipyard to the Campaign for Civil Rights” and “Hoboken Sweeps 3D.0” by Jean-Paul Picard

Please join the Hoboken Historical Museum for the opening reception to launch our two new photography exhibits “Benedict J. Fernandez, Photojournalist: From the Hoboken Shipyard to the Campaign for Civil Rights” and “Hoboken Sweeps 3D.0” by Jean-Paul Picard.

Benedict J. Fernandez was a renowned photojournalist who used his photography as a means of protest during the 1960’s. His first major project was a set of photographs “Riggers,” which captured the sense of community among Bethlehem Steel Shipyard workers in Hoboken, where he worked for four years. Benedict documented the Poor People’s Campaign, draft card burnings, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Benedict went on to help establish the Photography Department at the Parsons School of Design, and launched the Photo Film Workshop, where he offered photography courses free of charge.

Jean-Paul Picard embarked on his creative journey as a student in the “Arthouse Group” at Morristown High School. He was able to take advanced art courses in Denville. Jean-Paul found his calling at Parsons School of Design where he earned a BFA in Communication Design, and developed his love of photography. Jean-Paul moved to Hoboken in 1981 and engaged in street photography, while working for a boutique advertising agency. Here in Hoboken, he found a vibrant and supportive arts community. Jean-Paul’s work is housed in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the New York Historical Society, among other institutions.

Benedict’s work galvanizes viewers to reflect about social issues. He challenges us to interrogate how are we building power for social justice and supporting the next generation of artists. Jean-Paul’s work has evolved to consist of three dimensional pieces akin to sculptures. Jean-Paul inspires us to push boundaries in art and always think of new ways to innovate and create.