A Break in the Clouds: Journeys in Abstraction at 68 Prince Street Gallery

We’re excited to share 68 Prince Street Gallery’s latest exhibition, A Break in the Clouds, featuring works by Donald Elder, Stuart Farmery, Murray Hochman, Joel Longenecker, Paul Marrocco and Stephen Niccolls. The show’s thematic focus centers on the concept of shifting perspectives and the feeling of anticipation that arises during moments when the sky begins to clear.

Curated by Alan Goolman, A Break in the Clouds runs from August 30th – September 28th. The exhibit was born from a moment of inspiration—via a quote by Joel Longenecker that describes paintings as “slabs of earth, cut out and tilted forward.” This concept resonated deeply with Goolman, who envisioned Longenecker’s landscape paintings as horizontal, topographical scenes hung vertically.

The exhibition comes to life through a remarkable group of artists.

Donald Elder is a three-time recipient of the Pollock-Krasner Award and the Edward G McDowell Grant. He applies an abstract impressionist style to his paintings, reflecting a deep emotional connection to nature, fantasy, and romanticism.

Stuart Farmery is drawn to simple shapes that deviate from traditional circles and squares. These subtle distortions evoke unexpected images and associations. He explores how basic shapes can be gently pushed off balance while maintaining structure and poise.

Joel Longenecker’s paintings resemble evolving landscapes, built with layers of acrylic mixed with crushed coral and thick oil paint. He aims for his work to catalyze understanding of our delicate ecosystems and inspire a love for nature.

Paul Marrocco’s work is nonrepresentational, focusing on the interplay of color, form, line, and texture. The viewing experience is open-ended and free from preconceived notions. His exploratory process leads to unexpected outcomes, tapping into the subconscious beneath perception and intentional thought.

Murray Hochman has consistently painted since the early sixties in downtown NYC, influenced by cultural trends and the demands of his materials. Over six decades, he has explored light, color, geometry, and gesture.

Stephen Niccolls views his paintings as often containing elements of still life, landscape, or portrait, despite primarily being abstract. He also creates works that are “things unto themselves,” existing with minimal outside reference, with much of his art residing in this overlapping area.

Curator Alan Goolman reflects on the role of color and texture in the exhibition:

“Color has always guided my eye, but this show made me more aware of surface texture and structure and their power to suggest place. It reminds me of gazing from an airplane window, waiting for the clouds to part, and discovering the world’s color patterns below.”

A Break in the Clouds promises to be a transformative experience, inviting us to rethink our perceptions of the natural world and the landscapes we inhabit, both real and imagined.

A Break in the Clouds | August 30th – September 28th

68 Prince Street Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in the vibrant midtown arts district of Kingston, NY. The gallery spans 1,800 square feet, allowing it to display large sculptures and paintings, as well as more intimate works like books and prints.

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