Edward Hopper: The Story of His Life

This graphic novel explores the life and career of Edward Hopper, showcasing his iconic works and his rejection of romanticism. It traces his roots as an art student and commercial illustrator, his time in Europe, and his successful career. The illustrations reflect Hopper's style and substance, offering a fresh perspective on a creative genius.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2021
Publisher: Prestel

This groundbreaking graphic novel delves into the life of the acclaimed artist Edward Hopper, whose iconic works depict quintessentially American scenes and experiences. While many of Hopper's most acclaimed works have been embraced by American culture, the artist himself rejected much of the lyricism and romance that his audience imposed on his paintings. This unique overview of Hopper's life and career offers a fascinating and unflinching portrait of an artist trying to establish himself and define his own style. Using Hopper's own words as a jumping-off point, the book traces his roots as an art student and commercial illustrator; his life-changing time in Europe; his rocky relationship with his wife Jo, and his incredible success later in life. It also shows how, as he became increasingly famous, he grew more taciturn and resolute in his disparagement of American society and the labels thrust on him. Using clean lines and a palette that mimics Hopper's own, the book's illustrations reflect the style and substance of the artist's life—and help create a refreshing reconsideration of a creative genius who never wavered from his vision.

Edward Hopper, a renowned artist whose iconic works capture the essence of American life, is the subject of this groundbreaking graphic novel. While his most celebrated pieces have resonated deeply with American culture, Hopper himself rejected much of the lyricism and romance that his audience attributed to his paintings. This unique perspective on Hopper's life and career provides a captivating and uncompromising portrayal of an artist striving to establish himself and define his own style. The book begins by tracing Hopper's roots as an art student and commercial illustrator, highlighting his formative years and the influences that shaped his artistic journey. It then delves into his life-changing experience in Europe, where he encountered new artistic horizons and developed a distinct style that departed from the prevailing artistic trends of his time. The book also explores Hopper's complex relationship with his wife, Jo, and the challenges they faced together. Despite their tumultuous marriage, Hopper's artistic success later in life was remarkable. He became one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century, known for his depictions of everyday American life and his unique perspective on the human condition. However, as Hopper's fame grew, he became increasingly reserved and steadfast in his criticism of American society and the labels that were imposed upon him. The book employs clean lines and a palette that mimics Hopper's own to capture the essence of his life and work. The illustrations evoke the style and substance of Hopper's life, providing a refreshing reevaluation of a creative genius who never wavered from his vision.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 177 x 245 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783791387352