We went to see the Hopper exhibit Saturday at The Art Institute, during free February.
The Hopper exhibit was predictably lovely. His work reproduces very well, so there is not much more revealed in viewing the paintings in person. The canvas are not unexpectedly big, but the colors can be quite vibrant. I really prefer his work focusing on urban and prairie scenes which include much visible and psychological space. There were some very cool early etchings, including two depicting the first “El” car. which I’ve been in at The Chicago History Museum. 
I find his work incredibly American, and it is not secret, that I am an idealist American, and I love being an American. His work captures American scenes and psychological space. After seeing his body of work, I felt like I knew him. I really feel like he was always right there with his subjects. That he wasn’t an estranged visitor to the scenes and characters, but that he too dined with locals late at night, 
or sat lonely in a hotel room, 
or chatted with bathers on the east coast. I felt that he was right there with capturing what was current, because he was doing it. In the 50’s towards the end of his career, he began painting western-route 60-esque travel and motel scenes. Just as America was embracing the car and newly paved and connecting roads. 
He seems redundantly American- being as he appears in photos,
“Joe American”, he seems to live the American life of the time, and then he cinematicly captures it in paint.
The last painting was the best and truly a culmination of his life’s pursuit.
Saturday during free February was not the best time to see art, but is was a refreshingly casual and boisterous day at the museum, where everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. And the museum was packed with a sea of visitors, really the way it always should be.
Don’t miss “Girls On the Verge” in the basement. Its delightfully uncomfortable, sensitive, humorous and shocking.
Tags: art, chicago, criticism, inspiration, research