Scan barcode
takeruoji's review against another edition
3.0
In his interpretation of Edward Hoppers paintings Mark Strand starts with form. Strand doesn’t use form as the only factor in his interpretation of the first paintings (the first painting the probably best known „Nighthawks“, but the trapezoids are what catches him. Soon Strand moves on to include trees. For Strand, trees are the ultimate form of menace in some of Hoppers paintings. Opposing the dark menace are clean shop fronts and people looking calm in tranquil scenes. After the darkness comes the light. Many of the paintings in the rest of the book are interpreted with the light in mind. This is also the part where Strands conclusions coincide with mine. Also, from the part where the light begins to play an important role, the people in the paintings grow more important in Strands interpretations. This is also an interesting part of the book.
But ultimately there is a lack of depth and method in Strands interpretation. The interpretations are far too short to give a meaningful insight into Hoppers paintings. Which is a pity, because some interpretations are very interesting. What remains are the opportunity to enjoy the fabulous paintings of Edward Hopper, albeit these are included a somewhat questionable resolution which therefore makes it hard to catch the details in the paintings.
But ultimately there is a lack of depth and method in Strands interpretation. The interpretations are far too short to give a meaningful insight into Hoppers paintings. Which is a pity, because some interpretations are very interesting. What remains are the opportunity to enjoy the fabulous paintings of Edward Hopper, albeit these are included a somewhat questionable resolution which therefore makes it hard to catch the details in the paintings.
More...