Meaning: This quote by the American artist Donald Judd reflects his admiration for the work of Edward Hopper and the influence it had on his own artistic endeavors. Judd acknowledges the way in which Hopper's paintings capture the essence of the United States, particularly the 1930s, and how these impressions have seeped into his own work as well as that of other artists.

Edward Hopper is widely known for his realist paintings that depict everyday American life, often featuring solitary figures in urban or rural settings. His use of light and shadow, as well as his ability to convey a sense of isolation and introspection, has made his work iconic and deeply influential. Judd's statement reveals how Hopper's art resonated with him on a personal level and how it informed his own artistic vision.

The reference to Hopper's work looking like the United States and the 30s speaks to the timeless quality of Hopper's paintings. Despite being created in the early to mid-20th century, Hopper's scenes still resonate with viewers today, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Judd's recognition of this quality in Hopper's work suggests that he, like many others, sees a reflection of the American experience in Hopper's art.

Judd's acknowledgment that his first impressions of everything, including Hopper's work, get mixed up in his own work is a testament to the interconnectedness of artistic influences. Artists are often shaped by the world around them, and the impressions they gather from their surroundings find expression in their creative output. In this sense, Judd's statement highlights the way in which artists draw from their environment, experiences, and the work of their predecessors to create something new and unique.

Furthermore, Judd's assertion that these first impressions "get mixed up in everybody else's work too" underscores the universal nature of artistic inspiration. Hopper's impact extends beyond Judd to influence a broader community of artists who, knowingly or unknowingly, incorporate elements of Hopper's style, themes, or techniques into their own work. This interplay of influences and the cross-pollination of ideas are fundamental to the evolution of art and contribute to the richness and diversity of artistic expression.

Overall, Donald Judd's quote serves as a poignant tribute to the enduring significance of Edward Hopper's art and its far-reaching influence on the artistic community. It sheds light on the profound impact that a single artist can have on the work of others, and it underscores the interconnectedness of artistic expression across time and space. Through his words, Judd not only pays homage to Hopper but also invites us to contemplate the ways in which art serves as a reflection of the human experience and a vessel for the amalgamation of individual and collective impressions.