Hoboken Artist's New Mural At City Hall Is 'Powerful Tribute'

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee members, Mayor Ravi Bhalla, and local artist and photographer Jason Sagat came together this month to cut the ribbon on Sagat's latest work, which will be publicly displayed at City Hall.

The ribbon was cut for “Layers," installed in the main lobby of the building, on Aug. 7.

The mural, which in part celebrates Hoboken’s iconic waterfront, features a large-scale photographic composition by Sagat, who is known for his unique ability to blend color, texture, and imagery into works of art.

Inspired by the mile-square city's architecture and abstract traditions of modern art, “Layers” depicts a layered photographic image of an individual — on the pavers of the waterfront walkway of Pier A — looking out across the Hudson River.

“This mural is a powerful tribute to Hoboken’s relationship to the water,” said Bhalla.

He added, “By capturing and transforming a familiar view of our waterfront, this installation will welcome residents and visitors alike into our historic City Hall with warmth, color, and a renewed sense of civic pride. I’m proud to see Hoboken continue to invest in the arts and elevate local talent like Jason through projects like this.”

“This mural captures the beauty, energy, and unique charm of the City of Hoboken and its community,” said Sagat. “I hope it inspires curiosity, motivation, and a sense of possibility and appreciation for the everyday world around us.”

Sagat, a longtime Hoboken resident, draws inspiration from artists like Kandinsky and Richter.

He uses his photography to explore the juxtaposition of simplicity and complexity in everyday life, the city said. His work often involves layering multiple images to form rich, mosaic-like textures that evoke movement and memory.

"He believes that photography is an inherently historical act, as each image captured is a moment frozen in time," noted a city spokesperson.

The piece was selected by the Hoboken Art Advisory Committee and will be on permanent display in the historic lobby of City Hall by the main staircase.

It was made possible through Bhalla’s 2018 executive order declaring that all bond ordinances include a provision dedicating up to 1 percent of funding for public art installations throughout the city.

City Hall is located at 94 Washington St., Hoboken.