Whitney Museum of American Art

A very nice study and biography of one of my favorite painters, Edward Hopper (1882-1967). I'd read a couple of other books on Hopper, but this one is more thoughtfully organized and has the advantage of complete access to the Whitney Museum of Modern Art, to which Hopper's widow had bequeathed his entire inventory that remained at the time of his death. I hadn't known that when Hopper studied at the New York School of Art, that one of his classmates, and a friend, was another of my favorite artists, Rockwell Kent.

Hopper's style matured throughout his life, but it didn't particularly alter, so the author grouped the paintings by genre. I'm not knowledgeable enough about art to say just why Hopper appeals to me so, but this author (along with others) made a couple of points that I found myself nodding in agreement to. "Recording the drama of sunlight was a lifelong interest". Hopper's best paintings have always fascinated me in how the light plays upon the subjects; one can tell this was an area of deep fascination for the artist. "Summertime" is a prime example, as is Hopper's iconic "Nighthawks".

And the author makes the point that Hopper's people are often studies in isolated contemplation, even when paired with a partner who is studying the contemplative subject. "Office at Night" is a strong example, and vibrant with a sexual tension unusual in Hopper's work. This is the most useful Hopper book I have seen so far.… (mehr)