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Question: What can I say about the painting Chop Suey by Edward Hopper!?
I'm trying to write about Chop Suey by Edward Hopper as part of my AS level art work but I'm having trouble finding anything meaningful to say!. I've already done loads of writing for two of his other works so I think my brains a bit mashed up lol
These are some of the points I've already got:
* isolation
* ambiguous relationships between characters - not clear if they are talking to each other or not
* characters are almost expressionless
* entrapment
* ladder outside and coat hinting to possibility of escape
* almost pop art style
* solid colours
* heavy tones
* harsh light
* half of painting is dark, half is light and warm
* geometric, angular shapes
what else could I comment on!? and how can I put those points together into a piece of continuous writing that actually makes sense!?
any help would be really appreciatedWww@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
As regards writing: It should be in three parts!. First a description of the picture - people, what are they wearing, doing, table, what is on it - ie!. only teapot, blinds, what's outside, Next write about the composition!. Main focus on the couple, woman, colors, color contrasts, geometric lines, harshness of lighting
Only then interpret the painting!. Start by with general remarks: i!.e!. that the pic!. is realistic but also refers to Pop Art era!. Then to other meanings you see in the picture!. I liked the idea of the fire escape being a metaphore for escape (from what!? A relationship!?) Alienation isn't really a topic in this picture!.
Before you start read excellent 2 page description of pic!. at http://www!.helium!.com/items/779643-artis!.!.!.
By the way, Hopper's wife Jo was the model for both women!. And it has been suggested that he was painting the doppelganger of one of the woman Read about this at
http://en!.wikipedia!.org/wiki/Chop_Suey_(!.!.!.
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