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| Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942, oil on canvas, 84.1 x 152.4 cm (33-1/8 x 60 inches) (The Art Institute of Chicago) |
Edward Hopper's 1942 painting "Nighthawks" depicts a late-night scene in a city diner. It has become Hopper's most renowned work and is widely recognized in American art. Soon after its completion, the Art Institute of Chicago acquired the painting for $3,000, where it has remained on display ever since.
Beginning shortly after their wedding in 1924, Edward and Josephine (Jo) Hopper maintained a joint journal. For each of his paintings, Edward would create a pencil sketch and provide specific technical details. Jo would then supplement this with additional notes that offered some insight into the themes of the
Shock, Admiration, and Intrigue. The spirit of art in me is certainly delighted by this treat. My first adventure on my two-day solo tour of the City of Chicago commenced at the Art Institute of Chicago. The art gallery is a perfect place to lose myself in the beauty the world has to offer through art, history, and painting. If I could paint the joy and awe I felt as I walked through the galleries, I could end up with a football field of thoughts.
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| Nighthawks, 1942 by Edward Hopper |
As a lover of art, I find Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" fascinating. The meanings behind the artworks simply pictures how I feel, think, and see myself. The exhibition "Nighthawks" captures more than just a late-night scene in a city diner; it speaks to the stillness of solitude. Hopper himself said, “unconsciously, probably, I was painting the loneliness of a large city.” The figures, each lost in their thoughts, exist in a suspended moment where time slows down, reflecting a time of contemplation.
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| Chicago Institute of Arts |
There are times when I crave solitude, not because I have nothing to fix, but because the silence, the space to think, and the moments to simply be myself bring me peace of mind. There are days when I yearn for space yet remain curious about how others are faring. It's a common dilemma; we often have divided thoughts on what we truly want, and resolving that conflict isn't always clear.
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| Mark posing infront of Victorian Houses at Alamo Square , San Francisco CA |
What do I want? Honestly, just to lie in bed alone, as I do most days. Yet, deep down, I also desire to sit with friends, chat, and share stories. But when those moments arrive, my social batteries are often too drained to initiate any activity. I’d rather retreat into my own world, distracting myself with the comfort of my own company than lose myself in boisterous conversations about soccer and other topics.
Could my desire to withdraw be the result of a stressful day? The more I seek answers, the more I worry that I might be painting myself as antisocial & snobbish . But please, cut me some slack; after a busy day, all I need is some time alone.
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| Chicago Institute of Arts |
When the lights go out, it’s just me and the remnants of the day, accompanied by the soft strains of classical music and Alexa’s persistent reminders of my night-time routine. These digital goodnight wishes, though not ideal, suffice. Occasionally, I manage to carve out moments for others, like a late-night phone call with old friends, reminiscing about the days in Ghana and discussing how our days went. These conversations, filled with gossip, laughter, and shared memories, bring a warmth that’s otherwise absent.
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| Rlaxed and contemplative, taking in the view of the famous San Francisco landmark on what seems to be a somewhat overcast day. |
“There was a time when evenings were spent discussing the day, but things change, and it feels like there’s a huge shift with many untold, unspoken, and unpacked thoughts. Well, I’d rather keep things as they are”.
It’s not as though I expect a goodnight text to warm my heart; I’ve grown accustomed to the solitude. My most consistent bedtime companion is the ritual of turning off the light and slipping into stillness. Sometimes I wish for a real conversation, but my mind quickly tires of the notion. I do make room for others, but I’m often wary of how things might turn out.
“We all value consistency and effort, yet these qualities seem increasingly rare”.
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| Lombard Street, San Francisco CA |
“In today’s world, most are burdened with busy schedules and exhausting workdays. I understand their struggles, but I’d rather not be on the receiving end of overpromised commitments mirroring minimal effort”.
It’s why I’ve taken to planning my own activities and setting my own timelines. Relying on others too often leaves one’s plans in disarray, like that long-anticipated trip to San Francisco. I’d hoped to plan it with others to share in the excitement, but in the end, their plans took precedence over ours. So, I decided to do what I do best: go alone. For the first time, I chose to put myself first and embark on that adventure solo. What a revelation it was. I found myself in San Francisco, quiet, reflective, and renewed.
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| Palace of Fine Arts |
In "Nighthawks," the quietude shared by the characters isn’t about isolation; it’s about the quiet strength that comes from being comfortable in one’s own company. Hopper's painting speaks to the real deal of finding peace within oneself. Solitude becomes a time to explore our desires, fears, and dreams, a moment to peel back the layers of our own sophistication . It’s in these still moments, much like those captured in the painting, that we can step back from the noise and reconnect with who we are.
This reflection reminds me that solitude isn’t about being lonely; it’s about finding the time to understand who we truly are, free from the distractions and demands of the outside world. Maybe mine is not all about finding space, but I shudder at the idea of being attached to something that has an expiration date.
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| Palace of Fine Arts |
Often, we are so consumed by the needs and expectations of others that we forget to tend to our own. It’s not only okay but essential to take a step back and focus on ourselves.
Just as the figures in "Nighthawks" sit in quiet contemplation, we too must find our own moments of reflection.
Prioritizing yourself isn’t about neglecting others; it’s about ensuring that you are whole enough to give to others when the time comes. It’s about understanding that your well-being is the foundation upon which everything else is built.
When you take care of yourself whether by taking time alone, embarking on a solo journey, or simply reflecting in silence you become more equipped to face the world with clarity and strength.
San Francisco gave me what I couldn’t see: a chance to be free. I came back whole, a new version of me, and from now on, that’s how it will be.
By Mark Ofosu Asirifi
