A long-held desire of mine was to witness the grandeur of Hopper's Nighthawks in person. I get it, it's become a bit of a cliché, popping up on umbrellas, mugs and even face masks all over. But there's an undeniable allure to it—a poetic quality, a mesmerizing emotion that keeps drawing me in. And there's a personal soundtrack, too; Coltrane's A Love Supreme always accompanies my mental exploration of the painting.
Finally, the moment arrived at the Art Institute of Chicago. Standing face-to-face with the painting, I couldn't resist the urge to step into its world, to absorb the atmosphere and perhaps enjoy an imaginary cup of coffee. I had envisioned it as this massive artwork, the characters almost life-sized. However, reality painted a different picture—it was small, intimate, and oh-so-beautiful. Funny how our mind's eye can sometimes magnify the art we adore.
Bisou bisou, Jo 🖤
Photos: Joanna Gniady