“By God, he could really compose an image,” says John Myatt of the American realist painter Edward Hopper. The 20th-century artist – whose relatable depictions of urban scenes moved audiences with their portrayal of the loneliness and strangeness of familiar city life – has become the latest painter in John’s collectible series of ‘genuine fakes’.
Named after John’s now-infamous ad in Private Eye magazine for convincing replicas of classical works, this innovative series showcases the talent that led to his supporting role in one of the most sophisticated art frauds in history. Alongside an upcoming feature-length film about his incredible story, Genuine Fakes: The Hopper Collection reflects the enduring interest in the artist, who has appeared on television shows including Fake! The Great Masterpiece Challenge and Fake or Fortune.
Hopper’s cinematic aesthetic – characterised by the juxtaposition of light and darkness, and a theatrical voyeurism that inspired the Hollywood director Alfred Hitchcock – is captured in the saturated colours of the signed limited-edition prints. Created using the fine art giclée process, the hand-embellished canvasses are presented in the same style frame as Hopper, which has also been finished with gold foil and lightly distressed for an authentic vintage feel.
Amongst the selection are interpretations of some of Hopper’s best-known works, including ‘Nighthawks’ (1942) and ‘New York Movie’ (1939), which are currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Modern Art respectively. John adds: “Hopper places the actors on the stage, but it is up to the viewer to write the script. Your personal interpretation of the ‘story’ in the painting – what has just happened, what will happen next – is up to you.”
See the full John Myatt Hopper Collection here
Castle Fine Art
8-10, The Exchange
Nottingham
NG1 2DD
T: 0115 958 3883
nottingham@castlefineart.com
www.castlefineart.com
