Jersey City Churches
Or Peeling Away the Layers
As I peel away another narrative, it feels as if the church is shedding its decaying facade, disappearing into the abyss.
-Nathalie Kalbach-
“No Man is An Island”, Acrylic Paint, Ink, Collage, Marker
Lately Jersey City churches have been occupying my mind. With numerous churches scattered across the city, one, in particular has held my heart captive for quite some time - St. John’s, the church that seems to be crumbling, a subject I’ve touched on before. My fascination with it persists, perhaps because each passing year reveals layers and stories. As I peel away another narrative, it feels as if the church is shedding its decaying facade, disappearing into the abyss.
Every day, as I walk past these churches, I yearn for the doors to be open - not for a service, but for a moment when I can step inside without feeling like an intruder. I know, I know, that might not be the sentiment you associate with places of worship, but as someone who revels in capturing peculiar details through photography, I prefer exploring those spaces without disrupting those who are there for worship.
I am aware that someday the opportunity will present itself, and I will step inside to witness the hidden beauty. Recently, a holiday concert at the beautifully painted Grace Church, featuring many of my friends and other wonderfully talented people of this city, gave me a chance to spend some time there. Despite the admiration I have for it, it hasn’t yet inspired me to paint it. Perhaps because it already radiates brilliance without needing an additional touch of color.
The Oral History Project Interviews that Chelsea, Mandy and I, conducted for the Landmarks Conservancy have opened my eyes to the vital role these places of worship have played in the lives of many. Last month I immersed myself in a small church for a paper in my NYU Historic Preservation class.
The church’s multifaceted history fascinated me, allowing me to explore hidden nooks, crevices and balcony to look at windows.
As I work on a new painting of this church, all those stories and voices linger in my mind, and I hope the finished piece captures the awe I feel. You may be the judge of it, when I share it in a couple weeks.
In the meantime, I’d like to share Tris McCall´s review of my exhibition “Sidewalk Stories” at the Museum of Jersey City History in the Jersey City Times. “At the Museum of Jersey City History, Nathalie Kalbach finds a Home”
I couldn’t believe it, when I opened my emails last weekend and found a thumbnail of one of my paintings staring back at me. It´s an honor that Tris took the time to explore my work and write an article about it. I hope you will take a moment to check it out.