Solitary Women in Art: Contemplative Figures in Interior Spaces
Capturing Stillness: The Allure of Quiet Moments in Painting
As I browse the internet, I often stumble upon images that captivate me—whether through their composition, color palette, or an ineffable quality that resonates on a deeper level. It has become a habit of mine to collect these images, tucking them away in a folder for further reflection and research, especially when the artist is unfamiliar to me. This small act of curation allows me to explore new artistic voices and perspectives, deepening my appreciation for visual storytelling.
Lately, I’ve been particularly drawn to a series of paintings by a diverse group of artists, all centered around the theme of solitary women in interior spaces. These figures, reminiscent of Edward Hopper’s signature style, are depicted in moments of quiet introspection—often turned away from the viewer, gazing out a window or lost in thought. Their posture and expressions convey a sense of detachment, as if caught in the midst of deep contemplation or soul-searching. To me, they seem to be navigating an internal landscape, wrestling with questions of identity, purpose, and their connection to the world around them. There is something profoundly moving about these scenes—an unspoken narrative that invites us to step into their solitude and reflect on our own moments of introspection.
Edward Hopper
Edward Hopper’s paintings often depict solitary women in quiet, introspective moments, set in urban interiors such as hotel rooms, diners, and apartments. His female figures, frequently shown gazing out windows or lost in thought, convey a sense of isolation and detachment. Through his use of light, shadow, and stark composition, Hopper captures the tension between solitude and longing, evoking themes of loneliness, introspection, and the passage of time.
Women Hold up Half the Sky
As I study these images, the phrase “Women hold up half the sky” comes to mind. It is a poetic phrase, I think, giving credit to women and their accomplishments. The intricate functioning of the universe depends on the yin yang equal partnership of men and women to work in unity to balance nature’s forces.
I did a little digging around and discovered that the slogan actually originated in the Mao Zedong era and connected to the women’s liberation movement led by the Chinese Communist Party.
Since the slogan was first coined in the early 20th century, there have been various interpretations of this expression, but the most satisfactory in my mind is that it provides inspiration for many females seeking self-renewal of spirit and a better understanding of themselves and the gifts they bring into the world.
In each of the following paintings—there is a story waiting to be revealed or perhaps even a woman to be re-invented. It is up to the viewer to supply his own narrative.
Sally Storch (20th century American artist)
The driving force in Sally Storch’s paintings is her ability as a storyteller. Her work offers a pure vision of ordinary people unsentimentally portrayed. Her paintings are made up of intricate scenarios, each person living their own tale. She allows them to go about their private lives, while we, as viewers, unravel the narrative—the artist site Edward Hopper and Thomas Hart Benton as sources of great inspirations.
Darek Grabus (born 1973)
Darek Grabus, a Polish artist, also takes inspiration from Edward Hopper, Mark Rothko, and David Hockney. As in Hopper’s paintings, we frequently find men and women who are walled off from the outside world in Darek’s work.
Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864-1916)
Hammershøi is a Danish painter and his early works, with their simplicity and recording of the “banality of everyday life,” enjoyed critical acclaim. He was sought out by artists and literary figures of the time, Emil Nolde and Rainer Maria Rilke, who both remarked on his retiring manner and reluctance to talk. Hammershøi’s paintings are best described as muted in tone. He refrained from employing bright colors, always opting for a limited palette consisting of greys and desaturated yellows, greens, and other dark hues. His tableaux of figures turned away from the viewer project an air of slight tension and mystery.
Paul Schulenburg
New England contemporary artist Paul Schulenburg captures images of the working waterfront and addresses a range of subject matter, from the intimacy of bedrooms to the drama of city streets. With light and shadow, color, and composition, Schulenburg creates atmospheric moments — invitations to the viewer to complete the narrative. His figurative work digs below the surface to manifest personalities and emotions.
Reflections in Stillness: The Unspoken Stories of Solitary Women in Art
What do you see when you look at these paintings? Do these solitary figures resonate with you? Their quiet contemplation invites us to step into their world, to sense their unspoken emotions—be it longing, introspection, or a moment of self-discovery. Can you relate to their stillness, their inner conflict, or perhaps their fleeting moment of clarity? What thoughts might be occupying their minds, and where do you imagine their journey will take them next?
