Hopper versus Verloes
Eddy Verloes's photographic lens meets Edward Hopper's palette. Discover the captivating dialogue between "inside" and "outside," a theme both artists explore uniquely. Be transported into a world of inspiration, theme, and atmosphere.
A complete stillness pervades Verloes's photographs and Hopper's paintings. It's as if they're under a bell jar. The bell jar separates something from the outside world, in a kind of quarantine. This naturally raises questions. And a sense of mystery, even secrecy. Under the bell jar, time stands still and silence has no time. Or at least, that's how it seems. It's precisely this unreal, unsubstantial silence that is the most essential. Both the photograph and the painting become a visible space of silence. Neither the photographs nor the paintings seem like an invitation to participate in a moment. They radiate loneliness and melancholy.
Inspiration from everyday isolation
Like Hopper, Verloes uses his art to capture the isolation of modern life. His series "Inside the Outside" reflects Hopper's focus on solitary figures in desolate places or strange rooms. The tension between the inner emotional life and the external physical environment is expressed through curtains or windows, echoing Hopper's iconic use of interior and exterior perspectives.
Mystery and atmosphere
Both artists evoke a sense of mystery through the use of light and shadow. Verloes often uses silhouettes or deep shadows to conceal information about his subjects, creating a moody, contemplative atmosphere similar to Hopper's cinematic realism.
Contemporary relevance
Verloes noted that the isolation in Hopper's work took on a "terrifying new meaning" in his own photography during the pandemic, highlighting a shared focus on human vulnerability.