Edward Hopper was born in 1882 in Nyack New York. He unlike most artists of his time, was a realist. People were starting to do abstract paintings but it never seemed to interest him. He studied art in New York City and his teacher Robert Henri taught him to like around there lives and to capture and see what life really was. (pg.12-13) Hopper loved this idea, something other artists didn’t want to do. Even when he went to Paris and saw some of the most amazing modern art he wasn’t very impressed with any of it. So he kept painting everyday things. (Edward Hopper by Mike Venezia)
Even though the painting above is simply of a girl at an office window I feel it is quite mysterious. The shadows and lightening of the piece give it that mystery. There are so many things for you to wonder about her. Is she happy standing there working? What could be going through her head? Is she stuck waiting for something interesting to happen feeling lost and alone.You won't ever know that's the thing, you are left to believe what ever you want but not knowing adds to the sense of mystery.
I think the coloring of the painting really helps set the mood too. The dark grays and black with very dim lighting, the use of blues and grays for the shadows is very depressing and bland yet so beautiful. I feel that if the office were bright and colorful you would not get the sense on loneliness and longing for something new, at least I wouldn’t. Even the windows of the other building are darkened and black instead of light. One thing I also noticed is how she is kind of the only light thing in the picture. I think she acts as the beacon of hope the shining light for everyone else, even though she doesn’t seem very content.
NEW YORK OFFICE
The shadows holding her in
Hiding behind her done hair
And icey blue dress
She is soft
She is caring
She is lost and alone
Waiting to be whisked away
To be torn out and found
Long gone from the dreary
Boring people
Longing for excitement
But until it comes she is stuck.
Drowning.
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