East Village Hats – 24″x24″ (sold)

 

East Village Hats

Oil on linen, 24″ x 24″, 2023, private collection

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This painting depicts the storefront of East Village Hats on East 7th Street in Ukranian Village.  The store window serves as the main focal point. The play of light and shadow creates an effect that allows viewers to see the mannequins and hats both through and partially through the glass, while other areas reflect the surroundings across the street. 

The storefront features six mannequins showcasing a variety of hats.  Two figures are represented: the reflection of a man sitting on a stoop across the street (wearing a hat) and a woman walking out of the left frame.  The woman’s pose may remind viewers of the Abbey Road album back cover.  The color scheme of the storefront is black and grey with gold accents and lettering, contrasting the reflected colors from across the street, which are bright yellow and orange, lit by the warm afternoon sun.

Here are other paintings of storefronts.