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a few weeks ago, they asked I write an article about a painting by Hopper, one of the Nighthawks and I, being an excellent researcher, went to inform me. Since it is generally known or at the least taught by experience, to comprehend a painting one needs to know its history and the painter, and, most importantly, the context in the context in which Hopper painted it. Art is definitely something universal, transversal to the space and time, and therefore accessible even in the midst of centuries. The interpretations, however, are subject to change as society and the world evolve and what used to be seen clearly, possibly decades after, is not so obvious. What was never considered prior to now could be revealing the work to us in a totally different manner.Re-meaning a work through timeThis is similar to what I think happens when you look at the work of Hopper's " Nighthawks", closed at the bar, late at night, in that window that resembles a fish tank, in the same position as the characters he that are observed. https://targetparcel09.doodlekit.com/blog/entry/18414992/hopper8217s-nighthawks-secretsthink that in this work, Hopper wanted to give space to the viewer, inviting him to observe the silent, detailed and calm scene that we are presented by the darkness.This space, conceived for an active audience, is perhaps the keystone that allows the work to be changed over time and consequently to be timeless, immortal, modern, even very modern.The work, created in 1942, is not immediately attributable to a precise time period, but it seems that its dating is changeable according to the changes in the viewers, based on the exact time at which the work is observed.My opinion is that this is the most important aspect of reading, the time and space occupied to the reader Hopper was hoping to create.I'll explain.While researching information and news on Hopper's " Nighthawks", I was able to be aware of how many people have described it , highlighting the following elements:"[...] the solitude, the feeling of being empty in a world whose shimmering patina starts to lose its luster. [...] The uniquely commercial essence, the false myths take off their masks to reveal a displaced reality, without reliable sources of reference Isolated by doubt and lack of conscience. "The night and the transformationI believe this interpretation is a little ambiguous, that is, it's a interpretation provided in the context of society as well as by the date attributed to the work: it was the United States between the 40s and 50s, during the period of economic growth that redefined social and cultural values in the life of people who lived in a society which is even a bit bourgeois, where nightclubs are viewed as places of loneliness or despair.It's true in a certain degree, and somewhat not.When I first came across the painting without having studied, it gave me lots of joy and peace, with its bright contrast and nighttime stillness.Perhaps, as a resident of a large busy and noisy city, nighttime is one of the moments where I can enjoy the city in a more peaceful way: fewer people around and fewer vehicles as well as less noise. There are also more open spaces to appropriate, where to stay , under the night sky that is starless. The night has a very different meaning for me from those who went to bars in the United States during the 40s When the sun sets down, the city transforms its appearance and streets become more open and easy.It is impossible to ignore the way society has transformed itself through more than a half century of social and cultural changes, in between Pop as well as Rock culture, between the psychedelic movement and the 2000s.<img width="431" src=" |
