Meet Joshua Greenbaum | Studio Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Greenbaum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
My Name is Joshua Greenbaum and I’m a studio artist from Jersey City, New Jersey.

Jersey City can be dark at times, yet it is always lit by moments of brilliance. It is filled with people who mean well but sometimes cross unforgivable lines. Others are branded criminals, only to rise later as heroes in their own right. Here, wealth and poverty, love and hate, medicine and drugs, all coexist. Crime walks our streets, yet justice remains ever present- and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s this fragile balance that makes my city great, and it’s up to us all to keep making it even better.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. For me, it is both a physical and spiritual connection to the universe. When we create, we tell our story, leave our mark, and reach out to others, sometimes without saying a single word. My connection to the arts runs deep because it allows me to express stories I may not even realize I am telling. The images that emerge in my work carry different meanings for each viewer, shaped directly by my instincts and emotions.

Over the past year, much of my practice has focused on environmental projects. I’ve experimented with creating my own paper and painting boards from recycled newspaper and egg cartons, as well as paints and dyes made from natural, sustainable materials. My love for science and nature often finds its way into my work.

In 2025, I am beginning a new series inspired by the myths and stories of comic book legends. This body of work will pay homage to the great creators of the comic industry while also introducing an original narrative. In it, I reimagine familiar heroes by placing them into real-world scenarios, blurring the line between myth and reality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To start off a chill day, I’d head to Liberty State Park, a beautiful stretch of green space perfect for drawing, painting, writing, or simply relaxing and thinking things through alongside nature. Bring a speaker for your favorite tunes, some snacks and drinks, maybe a book or a sketchpad, and just unwind.

For a little shopping, I usually make my way to Newport. The Newport Mall has been a go-to for me since growing up, whether picking up a new fit or catching a movie with friends, I’ve made countless memories there.

When it comes to food, Rustique Pizza is the spot for authentic Italian pies, some of the best you’ll find in New Jersey. If I’m craving something different, Kura Revolving Sushi is my casual favorite for Japanese bites. And trust me: do not leave without trying the Taiyaki ice cream.

If you’ve still got energy after that, make your way to the Windows of Opportunity Project at 68-70 Fleet Street. It’s an urban beautification project I worked on alongside fellow artists, where we transformed the boarded-up windows of the General Pencil Factory. Our vinyl banner prints, drawn in graphite and charcoal, depict real issues in the city while bringing new life to the space.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my grandfather, Abraham Greenbaum — a studio artist and WWII Navy veteran who lived in the true artist’s spirit and inspired me to follow that path.

I’d also like to thank my family, friends, mentors, and everyone else who’s helped me along the way.

Instagram: @JoshGreenbaumArt

Image Credits
Primary photo taken by Hudson County Community College Photographer Mr. Roy and I have obtained permission to use.

Supporting photos taken by myself.