Artist and curator Nathan Catlin and The Rockaway Artists Alliance (RAA) are pleased to announce the opening of “Beyond the Windowpane,” a compelling new art exhibition running from Saturday, August 24 through Sunday, September 8. A public opening reception will take place on August 24 from 2-5 p.m. Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
This exhibition, curated by Catlin with support from a NYFA Queens Art Fund Grant, draws inspiration from the rich history of stained-glass production in Queens, particularly Tiffany’s stained-glass factory and its influence on contemporary techniques. Catlin’s work incorporates Tiffany’s iconic copper foil method into his paintings, using glass and windows as metaphors for both separation and connection.
Featuring nine Queens-based artists—Dana Buhl, Nathan Catlin, Joanna Cortez, Aurélien Couput, Sam Effler, Sara Grass, Paula Lycan, Erica Mao, and Amy Tidwell— “Beyond the Windowpane” presents a diverse array of narratives and visual explorations. The artists delve into themes of transparency and barriers, creating a dialogue about how art can act as a bridge between worlds. Notable works include Mao’s imaginative landscapes, Grass’s reinterpretation of the ‘Wounded Amazon’ statue, and Lycan’s reflective portraiture. The large windows of Rockaway Artists Alliance T-7 Gallery provide a natural backdrop that enhances the thematic exploration of art as a portal.
According to a press release, Nathan Ng Catlin is a multi-medium artist who lives and works in Queens. As a mixed-race first-generation Asian American from southern California, Catlin is interested in the complex narratives that arise from distinctions (culture, views on morality, etc.) that bring people together and separate them. His work is representational and figurative, featuring human interactions that draw inspiration from classical paintings, comic books, and tattoos. Catlin received his BFA in printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute and his MFA from Columbia University. His work has been shown nationally and internationally and has had two solo shows at Davidson Gallery in NYC. He works in printmaking, painting, ceramics, stained glass, and mosaic. For more info on his work, see: NathanCatlin.com
Rockaway Artists Alliance (RAA) is a non-for-profit 501(c)(3) arts organization headquartered on the Rockaway peninsula, with its studios in Fort Tilden. RAA’s mission is to encourage and engage residents of its community, particularly its youth and seniors, in the arts and cultural activities. RAA programs include visual art exhibitions; literary events; and art classes for adults. RAA partners with other NYC cultural institutions and arts organizations in a concerted effort to bring many art forms and experiences to the residents of the geographically isolated peninsula. RAA strives to offer artistic and cultural experiences to all community members.
