Art House Gallery Presents Jersey City Pride Exhibition: “Crushed” by Beth Achenbach
Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns and Gallery Director Andrea McKenna) are thrilled to present “Crushed,” a solo exhibit by photographer Beth Achenbach in partnership with JC Pride. The exhibit will run from Saturday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 25th, with an opening reception on Saturday, August 3rd from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This is an official Jersey City PRIDE event.
In her poignant new series, “Crushed,” artist Beth Achenbach harnesses the evocative power of everyday objects to confront the hidden trauma that festers within us. She salvages discarded aluminum cans and plastic bottles, bearing the scars of neglect and abuse, as emblems of human suffering. Achenbach’s photographs capture these objects as silent witnesses to the pain, abandonment, and heartbreak that often remain unexpressed. The artist's work challenges the societal norm of suppression, urging us to acknowledge the profound consequences of unexpressed pain.
“Beth’s work invites viewers to intimately engage with subjects that symbolically reflect her thoughts on human suffering. Her selection of discarded objects are familiar and commonly seen in everyday life, highlighting their unfortunate circumstances. It’s poignant and relatable in a way that is unexpected,” says Gallery Director Andrea McKenna. Large print literature and tactile and descriptive tours are available upon request. Email Andrea McKenna for more information at gallery@arthouseproductions.org.
ABOUT BETH ACHENBACH
Beth Achenbach is a Jersey City-based photographer whose interest in photography began in the 1990s while working at a camera shop. There, she gained invaluable experience, developing her eye for composition. Relocating to Jersey City in 2002 and becoming the official photographer for Jersey City Pride marked her transition from hobbyist to professional photographer.
Achenbach’s first public exhibition was in 2002 during the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour. As her work evolved, she began experimenting with subject matter, leading to solo exhibits like “The Sum of All Parts” (2006), “In Search of Mother Nature” (2009), “Feathers, Flight and Fancy” (2010), and “Letters 4 My Love” (still life). Her popular 2016 exhibit “Thaw” featured photographs of objects frozen in ice and is considered one of her best works.
Beth finds still life photography particularly challenging and rewarding, transforming ordinary objects into captivating compositions. She is drawn to subjects with intricate textures, vibrant colors, and revealing folds that resemble human expressions. Her goal is to create “visual poetry” that evokes personal narratives and emotional connections, inviting viewers to find their own stories within her images.
ABOUT ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS
Art House Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fostering the performing and visual arts in Jersey City, NJ. From theater productions to visual art exhibitions and community programs, Art House champions artistic expression in all its forms. For more information, visit www.arthouseproductions.org or visit the arts center at 345 Marin Boulevard in Jersey City. Stay connected with Art House on Twitter @arthouseprods or Instagram and Facebook @arthouseproductions.
Art House Productions acknowledges the generous support of The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, The Princeton Area Community Foundation, SILVERMAN, Liberty Harbor, The Albanese Organization, Exchange Place Alliance, The New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and The Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs, among others. A comprehensive list of funders can be found on their website.