Edward Hopper

I have also looked at Edward Hopper, who painted the contemporary everyday life of urban America, including Hotel Rooms, diners, petrol stations, cinemas and offices. In 'Office at Night' painted in 1940 Hoppers ability for storytelling through his paintings becomes apparent. At first glance this looks like an everyday office scene, the secretary doing some filing whilst the boss is emersed in his work. However there are clues that make us, the viewer believe otherwise. For example the way in which the secretary is stood with her feet facing one direction and her body turned to face the boss oozes sexual tension. It reminds me of the way in which a model poses in order to show off her best features, ie her breasts and her bottom. From the drama created by the scene it makes me believe that the two figures are having an affair. It also makes me believe that they are lonely. In most Hopper paintings the figures, even when in company are solitary, lost in their own thoughts and there is no eye contact between the two of them.