“Chop Suey” is an exquisite artwork by Edward Hopper, created in 1929. This oil on canvas is a notable example of the Social Realism art movement and is categorized within the genre of painting. It measures 96.5 by 81 cm and is part of Hopper’s ‘Window’ paintings series. The artwork, which is held in a private collection, offers a visual narrative that captures the essence of American life during its time.
The artwork portrays an interior scene of a restaurant, providing a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. Two women are seated at a table in the foreground—one facing the viewer while the other has her back turned—engaged in what appears to be a casual conversation. The use of bold contrasts and deep shadows is characteristic of Hopper’s style, conveying a certain mood and atmosphere unique to his work. Through the restaurant’s large windows, we can see fragments of the bustling urban environment outside, including part of a neon sign—an emblem of the modern city—and daylight that shines in, accentuating the sense of quietude within.
The figures within the painting are rendered with Hopper’s distinctive economy of detail, directing the viewer to focus on the broader narrative of quiet contemplation and urban isolation. The positioning of the subjects and their interactions—or lack thereof—within the modern public space lends the painting its thematic depth. By capturing this moment, frozen in time, Hopper provides insight into the complexities of human interaction and the feelings of solitude that can exist even in crowded urban settings.
