Nighthawks
If you’re a fan of American painter Edward Hopper, as I am, the title says it all.
Nighthawks, the icon of American art is normally on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, where I first saw it as a kid. It’s now on display at the National Gallery of Art as part of a Edward Hopper exhibit running through January 21st.
Inspired by a Greenwich Village diner in his neighborhood, Hopper started the painting immediately after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. It captures the theme of being alone in the big city and lost in one’s own world of thoughts, especially at night.
The exhibit highlights the artist’s most productive time, and features some of his most widely-known paintings including Nighthawks, Automat, Drug Store and New York Movie. A total of 82 painting and watercolors, plus additional prints which capture the essence of Hooper.
As part of the exhibit, a film tracing Hopper’s influences and style, from impressionists to the gangster films documents photographs and film and artist interviews will be shown in the East Building Small Auditorium at noon - 3:00 p.m. weekdays, 11:00 a.m on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the large auditorium, and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on weekends. A shorter version also will be shown continuously as part of the exhibit.
As a statement to lost icons, the painting Nighthawks was bastardized in 1987 by Gottfried Helnwein. He replaced the diner patrons with images of Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean and the attendant with Elvis, in his painting entitled Boulevard of Broken Dreams. It unfortunately became a pop culture poster representing Sunset Strip in Hollywood and the actors who died before their time.
Edward Hopper
National Gallery of Art - East Wing, Upper Level
4th and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20565 (map it)
Dates and Times - Daily through Jan. 21st, 2008, Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tickets - Museum, exhibit and movie admission is free.
Nearest Metro Subway Station - Archives - Yellow and Green lines, then a 2 block walk.
Parking - Metered street and garage parking is available in the area.
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6 opinions for Nighthawks
Geoff Collins
Oct 11, 2007 at 5:41 am
I’m jealous! DC is a bit of a trek for an exhibition, but maybe it’ll tour to Europe. I also would love to see a Winslow Homer exhibition, at least that’s the name I remember from an art book I had a few year’s ago!
Francesca Smith
Oct 11, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Hey, Jon!
Love the Hopper piece. I actually like the Hollywood version, too….
Matt
Oct 11, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Definitely one of my favorite pieces of art. I couldn’t but feel all tingly when I first saw it at the Art Institute.
Jon
Oct 11, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Nighthawks is a great piece of American art.
tj
Oct 11, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Nighthawks is a great American painting. But, can it surpentine??????
Last Chance to see Nighthawks
Jan 16, 2008 at 4:12 pm
[…] Edward Hopper exhibit at the National Gallery of Art, which features his most famous painting, the classic Nighthawks, […]
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