5.5 American Modernism

American Artists: Hopper and Stieglitz

• Edward Hopper's "Office in a Small City" depicts a man isolated in a concrete building, gazing out through a window into the outside world.
• "Nighthawks" is one of Hopper's most famous paintings, showcasing his use of light and the eerie glow of a diner's interior.
• Alfred Stieglitz, born in New Jersey, played a significant role in elevating photography as an art form in America.
• Stieglitz aimed to improve the perception of photography as an art form and opened the first of his galleries, "291".
• Stieglitz's relationship with Georgia O'Keeffe influenced the focus of his work, leading to capturing emotional poses and fragmented parts in his photographs.
• Stieglitz's photograph "The Terminal" marked the beginning of transforming photography from posed, still images to more painterly scenes.
• Stieglitz's "The Steerage" depicts immigrants from Germany landing in New York and captures the lower classes and workers in his early photographs.
• Stieglitz's images of Georgia O'Keeffe aimed to capture her story, emotions, and essence, rather than just a face.
• Georgia O'Keeffe's reflections on Stieglitz's photography reveal his sharp eye and ability to capture her essence.
• Hopper's "Office in a Small City" and "Nighthawks" showcase his attention to detail, use of light, and ability to convey isolation and seclusion.
• Stieglitz's contribution to photography as an art form is evident in his pioneering techniques and his role in promoting American artists' work.
• Both Hopper and Stieglitz made significant contributions to American art, with Hopper's paintings capturing isolation and Stieglitz's photography elevating the medium to an art form.