Endless Spring: Discovering the Expansive David Hockney Retrospective

Photo credit: www.smithsonianmag.com

The exhibition features more than 400 of the 87-year-old artist’s works, which are spread throughout the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris

Eli Wizevich
– History Correspondent

April 14, 2025 3:35 p.m.

Throughout the spring and summer, a striking display of pink neon lights, crafted to evoke a handwritten message, adorns the gleaming exterior of the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. The message reads: “Do remember they can’t cancel the spring.”

These words come from renowned artist David Hockney, whose extensive retrospective, titled “David Hockney 25,” is currently hosted at the foundation until August 31.

Spring often serves as a significant motif in Hockney’s work, characterized by vibrant depictions of blossoming trees, lush fields, and crystalline swimming pools against expansive skies. As Suzanne Pagé, the artistic director of the foundation, notes in her discussion with New York Times reporter Eleanor Stanford, Hockney’s perception of spring is akin to that of a child experiencing it anew.

However, spring also symbolizes ongoing inquisitiveness and unbridled creativity for the artist, now 87 and navigating mobility challenges. This retrospective truly reflects Hockney’s incessant exploration of art over his lifetime.

Featuring over 400 pieces created between 1955 and 2025, the exhibition fills the stunning Frank Gehry-designed venue, showcasing Hockney’s unwavering commitment to artistic experimentation and evolution.

Among the highlights is Portrait of My Father (1955), Hockney’s inaugural sale, juxtaposed with his latest works from 2025, including creations that represent “some of the very last paintings I’m working on now,” according to Hockney in a statement.

The artist played an active role in curating this extensive showcase, which presented unique challenges. Exhibition curator Norman Rosenthal remarked to the Times that the collection could have been expanded significantly, given the breadth of Hockney’s oeuvre spanning nearly seven decades.

Born in Bradford, England, in 1937, Hockney’s artistic journey began in a vibrant art school atmosphere in London where he embraced a distinctive look with bleached hair and colorful attire. Art dealer John Kasmin, who gave Hockney his first solo exhibition, noted his instant recognition in the art world.

Following his initial success, Hockney relocated to Los Angeles, where he produced iconic works such as A Bigger Splash (1967) and Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) (1972), both renowned for capturing the essence of mid-century modernism and vibrant poolside scenes. Over time, however, Hockney’s focus shifted towards the beauty of the natural landscape, moving away from manmade structures.

In his expansive work A Bigger Grand Canyon (1998), a massive composition spanning 25 feet across 60 canvases, viewers are immersed solely in nature, experiencing Hockney’s signature bright coloration, devoid of human presence.

The retrospective emphasizes Hockney’s contributions from the 21st century, presenting an array of traditional works crafted with oil, acrylics, charcoal, and other mediums, alongside innovations utilizing digital technologies.

Beginning in 2009, Hockney explored the digital realm, creating artwork on his iPhone and transitioning to the iPad upon its release, which allowed him to further experiment with form and style.

Reviews of his digital art have been mixed, with critics like Adrian Searle stating that these pieces unmistakably reveal their electronic origins, leaving some unconvinced of their artistic merit.

Nevertheless, Hockney remains committed to his artistic vision and techniques, evident in the current exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, which showcases his innovative approaches and future-forward outlook.

“There are people in the art world who think he’s not very good … same as Picasso,” Rosenthal shared with the Times. “But time will tell.”

In his recent endeavors, Hockney has increasingly embraced experimental methodologies. In 2023, he collaborated on the creation of an immersive experience, featuring projections of his artwork onto empty spaces. One portion of the foundation’s exhibition displays screens showcasing choreographed dance performances set in his studio.

“What I am trying to do is to bring people closer to something, because art is about sharing,” Hockney articulated in a statement. “You wouldn’t be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience, a thought.”

“David Hockney 25” will remain on display at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris until August 31, 2025.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com