Edward Hopper 2017

Andrey Allakhverdov created this painting, "Edward Hopper," using oil paints on canvas. Oil paint, a traditional fine art medium, allows for rich color and subtle gradations, as we can see in the depiction of light and shadow here. Allakhverdov, wearing his painting apron, is rendered in a way that draws attention to the act of painting itself, the means of production with which it was created. His presence, along with the palette and brush he holds, foregrounds the labor involved in image-making. The reference to Edward Hopper in the title is a key that unlocks the visual language of the artwork. The people in the background seem alienated and withdrawn. The somber mood and understated drama evokes Hopper’s distinct aesthetic. In this context, the handmade quality of the painting becomes all the more important. It serves as a powerful reminder of the human touch, of the artist’s individual vision and skill. Allakhverdov uses the means of painting to consider how artistic labor can offer critical commentary on art history itself.