Why Do Hopper’s Paintings Feel So Lonely? | Biographical Documentary

Edward Hopper’s disconcerting paintings were ignored for a long time.

But his unsettling depictions of American life, where everything kind of seems ok…but somehow isn’t, came to epitomise the loneliness of urban living and he was finally recognised as a major American artist.

His haunting Nighthawks painting of a late-night diner scene, in which disconnected customers sit silently, under stark fluorescent lighting, lost in their own thoughts, is a now iconic image that has influenced countless later artists and film makers..

In this biographical documentary, Dr Graeme Yorston, explores the life and works of Edward Hopper from his perspective as a psychiatrist, to find out why he returned so often to themes of solitude and sorrowful contemplation.

Concentrating on Hopper’s personal story - how a shy boy from a small town became one of America’s most celebrated artists.

It’s a tale of patience, perseverance, and a singular vision… unfolding slowly… rather like one of his paintings.

Finding Out More
The most detailed biography is the one by renowned Hopper expert Gail Levin, but it relies heavily on his wife Jo’s diaries. There are also several good art books with reproductions of his works. I have added my favourites to my Amazon Store Page. https://www.amazon.com/shop/professorgraemeyorston

Academic References:
Salcman, M. (2001). The Art of Edward Hopper (1882–1967). Neurosurgery, 48(5), 1188-1190.
Music:
Massenet Meditation from Thais: Bomsori Kim and Pallavi Mahidhara CC3
Chopin - Prelude in A Op-28 No-7 - eldüendesüarez CC4
Chopin - Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp Op-66 - eldüendesüarez) CC4
Chopin - Nocturne in B-flat minor, Op. 9, No. 1 Florence Robineau CC3.0
Chopin -Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 65 I. Allegro moderato: Christopher Harding, Yeonjin Kim
Chopin: Prélude op. 28 n° 4 - Dorian Pâquet CC4.0
Misha Dioxin – From the Arctic Circle to the southern seas CC4
Satie - Gnossiennes 3 and 5 La Pianista CC3.0
Satie Gnossienne No 4 Piano clarinet LorinJonesStubbsMusic CC0
Mendelssohn String Quartet No. 6 in F minor, Op. 80 - III. Adagio Muspoen Quartet PD
Fauré - Requiem - VII. In paradisum: Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo Louis Frémaux Chorale Philippe Caillard Public domain
Gershwin: 3 Preludes, performed by La Pianista CC3.0
Gershwin: Summertime Russian String Orchestra conducted by Misha Rachlevsky
Gershwin: 3 Preludes for Clarinet and Piano II. Clarinet: Byeon Gyu-ri, Piano: Kim Hwa-jeong CCAttribution
Prokoviev: Romeo & Juliet Masks. Maxim Rysanov
Prokoviev: Romeo & Juliet Dance of the Knights ROH
Albeniz - Suite espanola op. 47 – leyenda. Public domain via Musopen.com
City Walk John Pattucci CC0 YouTube
The Mood Drops Nathan Moore CC0
Blue Mood Robert Munzinger CC0
PeriTune Café Musette CC3.0
John Bartmann - Mellow Cafe Vibe CC1.0

Video edited by Manavi Sakunika and produced by Graeme Yorston and Tom Yorston