American Masters

A closer look at Edward Hopper's "Automat" and "Chop Suey"

Edward Hopper displayed a preference for quieter social commentary with his art. In "Automat," he paints a woman alone in an empty automat, conveying a sense of loneliness and isolation. In "Chop Suey," two women are depicted at lunch without male chaperones, reflecting the newfound independence many women were experiencing at the time.

A closer look at Edward Hopper's "Automat" and "Chop Suey"

1m 59s

  • Dear Corky: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Dear Corky

    16m 27s

    New Yorker Corky Lee photographed his hometown’s Chinatown and Asian American communities around the country for over 50 years, documenting activists, celebrities and everyday heroes he encountered in over 100,000 photos. While documenting the latest rise of anti-Asian hate crimes, Lee passed away from COVID-19. In his own words and photos, this short documentary reveals the man behind the camera.

  • Jerry Seinfeld on his place in American sitcom history: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Jerry Seinfeld on his place in American sitcom history

    16m 1s

    On August 13, 2008, comedian Jerry Seinfeld discussed his collaboration with Larry David, the evolution of the American sitcom and the lure of stand-up comedy. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

  • Weaving Nature: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Weaving Nature

    18m 39s

    Maryland artist David Bacharach creates "The Mounds," an outdoor arts installation that confronts global climate change. Bacharach employs traditional weaving and metalsmithing techniques to build sculptures that reflect environmental problems that impact land, air and water. This synthesis of art and nature illustrates the interconnectedness of human activity and environmental degradation.

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