Edward Hopper

Edward Hopper creates a sense of ambiguity in his pieces for a tableux vivant effect, as we try to make sense of what little information is available to us.



With each piece, one cannot help but try to understand the piece by piecing together a story which never becomes clear or definite. We are unable to see what the individual in the piece is viewing, where the framing and composition emphasises the ambiguity in the piece, as we presented with dominant walls with a single window leading to nothing distinct. It is as almost as if we are presented with a single captured moment in time of the individuals life with only a few objects to discern from.



There is a calming and quiet quality to Hopper's work, with the use of light in particular capturing a soothing evocative quality to each piece. The painterly texture only further adds to this quality. Ultimately, the ambiguous nature of Hopper's work resulted in a prime example of the ambiguous - an empty room, devoid of anything but a cast of light. Again one can only wonder as to the possibilities the image suggests, a new beginning awaiting new life, or signalling the end of one with the loss of any individual often present in Hopper's works.