Glamorous dream visions are the central components of Robert Hoppe's artworks. In the tradition of movements such as Russian Constructivism and German Bauhaus, Hoppe stresses collaboration of the arts, and his work evolves from a variety of experiences. He is a painter, a draftsman and a sculptor, and he has created set designs for ballet companies and avant-garde dance troupes, including Alvin Ailey's tribute to Duke Ellington. He has received critical acclaim for sets and costumes designed for the Pennsylvania Ballet's homage to George Gershwin, "Rialto." Clive Barnes of the New York Times wrote, "The best thing about 'Rialto' is the way it looks - the truly Art Deco backdrop of the New York skyline and the neatly variegated costumes are a tribute to the designer Robert Hoppe's visual sensibility..." Hoppe attended the School of Visual Arts, New York City and the Polakov Studio of Scenic Design, New York City. He is a member of the noted theatrical guild United Scenic Artists. His awards include the prestigious Desi Award in Graphic Design, and an Emmy for scenic design. Extravaganzas, such as those produced by Radio City Music Hall, the Ice Follies, and early Hollywood musicals are inspiration for Hoppe's special flair for theatrical imagery. The gaiety and splendor of his blithe dancers and grandiose settings recall the vibrant era of Busby Berkeley and the Ziegfeld Follies. Enamored of the great architectural renderings of the 1920's and 1930's, Hoppe deftly blends urban starkness with post-modern romanticism. Graced with a patina of sophisticated elegance, his cityscapes emerge with the texture of magic. Working with gouache and acrylics, he favors a pallet of muted colors, and the dramatic resonance of chiaroscuro. Hoppe is an impeccible draftsman. Using an innovative range of perspectives, visual mystiques are created by the formal play between background and figures. The total illusion of light, movement and space draws the viewer into the action. Hoppe's celebrations of pageantry and grandeur reconfirm the timeless relevance of romantic fantasy. As paradigms of beauty and style, they appeal to a broad spectrum. His works are in collections throughout the United States.

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