> DAVID HOCKNEY

Tate Britain, London
1st April 2017

David Hockney -  One of the most popular and influential British artists of the twentieth century returns to Tate Britain for his most comprehensive exhibition yet... We go immerse ourselves in Hockney's wonderfully vivid world.

This landmark exhibition gathers together an extensive selection of David Hockney's most famous works celebrating his achievements in painting, drawing, print, photography and video across six decades.

As he approaches his 80th birthday, Hockney continues to change his style and ways of working, embracing new technologies as he goes. From portraits and images of Los Angeles swimming pools, through to his drawings and photography, Yorkshire landscapes and most recent paintings – some of which have never been seen before in public  –  this exhibition shows how the roots of each new direction lay in the work that came before. This is THE once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these unforgettable and important works together.

We two boys together clinging - 1961

A First Marriage (Marriage of Styles I) - 1962

Fight Into Italy-Swiss Landscape - 1962

The Actor - 1964

 

I have always enjoyed the vivid, honest works of David Hockney. From monotone sketches to epic border-less landscapes, his work has intrigued me and often inspired my own creativity. The early works from his Royal College of Art days are tender and reflective, they map of a man who is on a journey to discover his true identity. The Los Angeles years pop with colour. The landscapes, portraits and swimming pools are contemporary, unique and beautifully observed. Exploration of technique gave us some iconic, multifaceted works... I have always loved the photographic pieces. 'Looking closer' has been a way for Hockney to bring realism and depth... scrutinise any of his landscapes or portraits and you will notice his accurate observation of perspective and lighting... even in the more abstract pieces. The epic landscapes and 'big pictures' of the Yorkshire countryside are beautiful and quite touching... These are homage's produced by an artist who clearly loves looking at his world, an artist who loves his life and his surroundings.

Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) - 1971

 Outpost Drive, Holywood - 1980

On location, 'Woldgate Woods' - 2012

The Hockney Sumo from Taschen... yes please!! - 2017

This show is simply beautiful... Thank you Mr Hockney for allowing us to enjoy your world... It's safe to say... we love it as much as you do.

10 out of 10.