Moe Brooker illustrates 'Unspeakable Joy' in latest Soho gallery show

The June Kelly Gallery in Soho is currently presenting an impressive collection of abstract paintings by Moe Brooker for the exhibition Unspeakable Joy.

As the title of the show suggests, Brooker’s paintings reflect joy and how joy is a natural feeling that exists within the internal human spirit while happiness is mostly dependent on external factors. Brooker illustrates this with sections of vibrant colors combined with sections of different geometrical patterns that vary in size and are arranged spontaneously on the canvas. He includes abstract versions of still-lifes such as with the image known as Present Futures IV which depicts a blue vase with yellow flowers with checkered patterns, a red rose with square patterns, and other smaller flowers. 

A Place Called Now by Moe Brooker

A piece titled Everything Is On Its Way to Somehow depicts a messy room with random objects spread haphazardly across the floor or a desk. The combination of the different colors and swift drizzles of white paint convey the notion of it being set in a child’s room who is just so happy with everything it has that he embraces it.

Another image known as A Place Called Now includes a background of several rectangular shapes with geometric patterns and stripes depicting several tablecloths spread out on a dining room table. In the center are several small squares and other colorful abstract objects.

 About his work, Brooker has said, “I think of my work as maps that take you on a journey through an imagined universe filled with moments of joy, sadness, pleasure and delight,” Brooker says.  “My paintings are attempts to share my journey and heighten the sense of human existence that we all have.”

At the June Kelly Gallery, 166 Mercer St., through Jun. 25. The gallery is open Tue.-Sat. from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.