Timeless Truths About Edward Hopper's Nighthawks
Overcoming isolation and loneliness
When I discovered Edward Hopper's painting Nighthawks, I was enthralled by the scene's serenity. The colors, lines, and use of light captured my attention as I gazed at it repeatedly. At first glance, at least for me, the calmness and serenity masked the underlying theme of loneliness that Hopper created with this composition.
Hopper’s theme of feeling isolated, even in a big city, is a timeless emotion. In 1942, the United States was forced into WWII, and people were reeling because they thought WWI was the worst that could ever happen. They were distraught from the need to join the war, yet the economy was booming again.
The people in the painting don’t appear to be connected. Each is alone in their thoughts and emotions and immersed in their world. Hopper emphasizes this emotion by not painting any doors or exits in his composition, so the figures appear frozen in time at that moment.
The themes of loneliness, separation, and lack of connection in Nighthawks are timeless and strikingly relevant to our world today. Despite social media's illusion of connectivity, many people experience a profound sense of loneliness.
Being surrounded by people and still feeling lonely is a paradox that transcends time. As in 1942, today, many people feel a lack of genuine connection, which, in my opinion, is one reason so many people have anxiety.
Forced separation during the pandemic created feelings of loneliness. We wanted to connect, but rules and mass fear drove our behaviors.
I don’t think we’ve fully recovered. What false beliefs took hold in our psyche? Maybe I’m speaking only of myself. I experienced a feeling of separation during the pandemic and still do occasionally, but I can’t quite define what it is and why I feel that way.
Through Nighthawks, we are reminded of the universal longing for connection and belonging at the heart of the human condition.
Connecting to others builds happiness.
To build better relationships and communities, we need reasons to connect and experiences that connect us. Connection with others fosters satisfaction, peace, and happiness.
During the pandemic, I drove to our town square to walk around the historic courthouse. The friendly attitudes I experience in our small downtown help me feel connected to something bigger than myself.
On that walk, I saw a young man standing on the sidewalk, blindfolded. He held a sign that said, “Hugs welcome.” I studied him for a minute, then walked over for a hug. This was a happy moment for me. He told me he was doing this for a school project. After our chat, I watched people pass him by, and very few reached out to hug him. Maybe it was about the pandemic, but I think the ratio would be about the same today. We would be happier if we risked making connections that seem uncomfortable. That fleeting moment of connection and happiness still resonates with me today.
Just off the square, there is a cafe named Hugs. The owners employ people with disabilities to help build their skills. It’s a happy place where hugs are welcome. It has such a different vibe than in the cafe that Hopper painted.
A hug is a marvelous way to connect with someone else. It activates our heart's energy, and when we take the time to connect with people, we have better relationships and more vital trust.
So, my tip for today is to connect with someone new. Give hugs. If it is someone you don’t know well, you may want to ask if they are ok with a hug. Reconnect with someone you haven’t talked to in a long time.
If you’d like to know more about the painting, read below.
About the Painting
I researched the painting to learn more about it. Nighthawks is still a favorite over 80 years later, a statement of its mastery. The Art Institute Chicago owns the painting.
The diner is a timeless American symbol of community and familiarity, yet in the late night, the one in the painting seems lonely. The expansive glass windows open the diner’s view to the desolate streets outside, suggesting a sense of isolation. The absence of doors suggests the figures within are physically and emotionally confined to their surroundings.
The three customers seated at the counter and the silent figure of the lone attendant seem lost in their thoughts. They are rendered anonymously, their faces obscured or turned away from the viewer, shrouded in introspection. Are they lost in contemplation or grappling with disillusionment and despair? Hopper leaves us to ponder these questions.
Beyond its emotional and thematic resonance, Nighthawks is celebrated for its use of color and composition. The strong contrast between the diner's artificial light and the darkness of the night creates a striking visual. The diner's geometric lines, juxtaposed against the soft curves of the surrounding cityscape, illustrate the separation between the individual and the urban environment.
Themes illustrated in Nighthawks
Loneliness in Modern Life
The painting communicates the universal experience of loneliness and isolation. This theme transcends time and place, resonating with viewers across generations and cultures. Notice the man and woman's eyes, which show no emotion. The other figures’ eyes are not shown.
Universal Longing for Connection
Despite the figures' apparent detachment in the cafe, there remains an underlying longing for connection and companionship. This universal desire transcends the boundaries of time and space, speaking to the fundamental yearning of the human spirit. The man and woman sitting next to each other don’t appear connected, yet he leans her way, and her arm is slightly angled toward him, demonstrating a fleeting desire for connection.
The Power of Light and Shadow
Hopper imbues Nighthawks with drama and depth through the interplay between light and darkness, conveying the tension between the interior and exterior worlds. The diner's harsh light projecting onto the street intersects with the city street light, and the dark facades of the buildings opposite the diner emphasize this tension.
The Complexity of Emotion
Hopper's ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and expressions is a timeless aspect of Nighthawks. The scene's silence speaks volumes.
All of Hopper’s paintings are masterful at communicating moods and human emotions. He studied and thought about his creations for months before putting a brush stroke on the canvas.
Maybe that’s why it took me weeks and hours to finish this post!
I hope you will connect with someone new today or someone you haven’t talked to in a long time. Substack is a great community for that.
I’d love to connect with you! Here is a link to my scheduling calendar. Complimentary options include a get-acquainted call or a complimentary intuitive mentoring session. Either way, let’s connect!
May you be happy
May you feel connected to all that is
May you receive the love and support you desire.
If you’ve received this from a friend or colleague, you can subscribe to The Light in Us below for weekly insights on personal, creative, and spiritual development.
There's nothing like a hug. Especially ones where you don't pull away too fast but use the seconds to truly feel and hold the other. I have visceral memories of marvelous hugs I received and gave my kids. And I appreciate Hopper's painting - thank you!
Beautiful message. Thanks for writing this, Kathy.