Caricatures:
Edward Hopper, Dan Springer, Michael Witte
August 14 - October 10, 2o21
Curated by Carole Perry
Members Opening Reception:
Saturday, August 14, 5-7pm, compliant with DOH/CDC guidelines
The three artists in this exhibition—Edward Hopper, Dan Springer, and Michael Witte—have all created imagery that we define as caricature, meaning they distort or exaggerate certain traits and physical characteristics of their subjects. The term caricature comes from the Italian words carico and caricare, which translate to “to load” and “exaggerate.” Artists typically create such works for the purpose of entertaining, or to make personal, social, or political statements.
Each of these artists had a different objective in creating their caricatures. Edward Hopper’s drawings were not originally meant for public display since his impetus for creating them was personal. It was his way of expressing the frustration he felt in his marriage. His figures may not be as distorted as those we typically associate with caricature, but the depicted scenarios reflect exaggerated interpretations of the dynamics of his relationship with his wife Josephine.
Dan Springer and Michael Witte created most of their caricatures as illustrations for publications. Neither artist seeks to ridicule in these drawings, rather they aim to highlight the essence of their subjects’ identities and reveal their true characters. In addition to the work they created for specific assignments, Springer and Witte have each included a recent drawing of Edward Hopper. Springer’s alludes to Hopper’s career overshadowing that of his wife’s, who gave up her artistic career to support his. Witte’s acknowledges the ubiquitous hat that Hopper wore in many photographs and self-portraits. Both pictures epitomize caricature by focusing on specific characteristics that define his personality but that may not be apparent to the casual observer.
Curated by Carole Perry
Members Opening Reception:
Saturday, August 14, 5-7pm, compliant with DOH/CDC guidelines
The three artists in this exhibition—Edward Hopper, Dan Springer, and Michael Witte—have all created imagery that we define as caricature, meaning they distort or exaggerate certain traits and physical characteristics of their subjects. The term caricature comes from the Italian words carico and caricare, which translate to “to load” and “exaggerate.” Artists typically create such works for the purpose of entertaining, or to make personal, social, or political statements.
Each of these artists had a different objective in creating their caricatures. Edward Hopper’s drawings were not originally meant for public display since his impetus for creating them was personal. It was his way of expressing the frustration he felt in his marriage. His figures may not be as distorted as those we typically associate with caricature, but the depicted scenarios reflect exaggerated interpretations of the dynamics of his relationship with his wife Josephine.
Dan Springer and Michael Witte created most of their caricatures as illustrations for publications. Neither artist seeks to ridicule in these drawings, rather they aim to highlight the essence of their subjects’ identities and reveal their true characters. In addition to the work they created for specific assignments, Springer and Witte have each included a recent drawing of Edward Hopper. Springer’s alludes to Hopper’s career overshadowing that of his wife’s, who gave up her artistic career to support his. Witte’s acknowledges the ubiquitous hat that Hopper wore in many photographs and self-portraits. Both pictures epitomize caricature by focusing on specific characteristics that define his personality but that may not be apparent to the casual observer.
Edward Hopper
Dan springer
