BUZZ BOOK: Hopper catalog’s a hot gift

The Whitney Museum of American Art’s special exhibition “Edward Hopper’s New York” offers a glimpse into the 20th century realist painter’s career. But those who can’t make it to the museum in person can snag a copy of “Edward Hopper’s New York,” a beautiful catalog from the Whitney Museum of American Art — on pace to be the best-selling catalogue in the museum’s history.

Hopper, who specialized in oil painting, watercolor, and printmaking, lived in New York City from 1908 until his death in 1967, just a few blocks from where the Whitney stands today.

The Whitney’s exhibition, which opened in October and runs through March 5th, boasts more than 200 paintings, watercolors, prints and drawings, including some of Hopper’s most famous works like “Early Sunday Morning,” “Room in New York,” and “New York Movie.” It also offers an intimate look into the artist’s storied life and career through archival materials, correspondence, notebooks, and photographs. The catalogue compiles all that and more, featuring essays by curator Kim Conaty, writer and critic Kristy Bell, scholar Darby English, and artist David Hartt alongside three hundred illustrations. Those on the hunt for Christmas gifts for the art lover in their life might also enjoy browsing the Whitney’s Hopper merchandise, which ranges from mugs and notebooks to shirts and even skateboard decks. It’s a trendy gift choice, too — Beyoncé was just spotted wearing a Whitney shirt while on a date night with Jay Z. “The catalog is a beautiful, high-quality book that bridges two things New Yorkers love: their city and artist Edward Hopper. His themes of isolation and loneliness have always struck a nerve, but perhaps even more so following our collective experience with the pandemic,” says Jennifer Heslin, Director of Retail Operations at the Whitney. “While we always expected that such a relevant book would be a hit with New Yorkers, nothing could have prepared us for the huge demand we've seen.”