2020 Exhibitions​

object lessons

On view March 20 - November 29, 2020
             
Curated by Carole Perry

We are all collectors of objects. Small items store great meaning for us, especially those we discover as children. When objects travel with us to adulthood, in fact or in memory, they retain their power—as symbols, as touchstones for expression, as connectors to our past. The legacy of such items, and their role in developing an artist’s sensibility, is the theme of the exhibition. 

For the exhibition, six artists—​Shervone Neckles, Vik Muniz, Tony Oursler, Jean Shin, and Hank Willis Thomas & Kambui Olujimi—will present objects from childhood that have emotional resonance for them. They will display their objects alongside recent work to illustrate the link between youthful influence and mature artistic expression. We will also present items from Edward Hopper’s youth together with his mature work, revealing ways in which such objects forecast themes in his art. 

The participating artists’ processes vary widely, but all respond to the symbolic content of objects in intriguing ways. By including such a diverse group of artists, Object Lessons will allow visitors to explore how the nascent sensibilities of childhood shape one's development, resulting in an unpredictable spectrum of unique artistic identities.  

Object Lessons is central to EHH's mission of celebrating Edward Hopper's legacy. In addition to its setting in Hopper’s family home, it will incorporate some of the art and artifacts from the Sanborn Hopper Family Archive and from the museum’s permanent collection. Those objects provide a unique opportunity to experience aspects of Hopper’s youth that helped shape his artistic development. Object Lessons will offer similar insight into contemporary artists, suggesting the lasting power of early influences on artists of all kinds. 
Picture
photograph by Rodney Smith
December 6, 2019 – March 8, 2020

Curated by Leslie Smolan
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​Every few years a photographer emerges on the world stage with a unique voice and vision that immediately sets their work apart from anyone else. Cartier Bresson, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz, …. each has a style and approach that defines their era and distinguishes them from other talented but more predictable image makers. Rodney Smith’s extraordinary photographs are destined to join the ranks of these masters. ​

Alongside this exhibition, Edward Hopper House is pleased to present intimate glimpses of Hopper’s life captured in photos from the Sanborn-Hopper Family Archive. This exhibition is on view all winter as we celebrate the powerful art of photography.

Thanks to our sponsors for their support of this exhibition: 

JohN MORTON: PLace of Origin

September 6, 2019 – March 8, 2020
Members Opening & Reception: Thursday, September 5, 6:30-8:30 PM2019
Place of Origin weaves together the diverse cultural fabric of Rockland County with a unique and creative approach to listening, interacting, and responding to personal oral histories. Composer and sound artist John Morton gathered stories from the residents of Rockland County towns responding to the question "Where did you grow up?" This idea encompasses the notion that everyone grows up "somewhere" and that those stories can be shared and enriched by the musical and creative use of sound.