David Hockney unveils monumental Paris exhibition at 88
Annapurna Rai | Apr 08, 2025, 22:42 IST
( Image credit : Reuters )
David Hockney, at 88, will showcase his art at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. The exhibition named 'David Hockney 25' will span seven decades of his career. It will feature 456 works, including paintings and digital pieces. The exhibition will run from April to August 2025. Visitors will see Hockney's evolution and his impact on art. Norman Rosenthal curates the show.
At 88 years old, David Hockney continues to captivate the art world with his latest and most extensive exhibition to date. The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris is hosting "David Hockney 25," a comprehensive retrospective that spans nearly seven decades of the artist's prolific career. This remarkable showcase features 456 works, including paintings, drawings, and digital pieces, highlighting Hockney's enduring creativity and innovation.
A journey through Hockney's artistic evolution
"David Hockney 25" offers visitors an immersive experience into the artist's evolving styles and mediums. The exhibition begins with Hockney's early works from the 1960s, which candidly depict aspects of gay life, reflecting his personal experiences and societal observations. It then transitions to his vibrant Los Angeles period, showcasing iconic swimming pool scenes that capture the essence of Californian culture. The retrospective also includes his expansive Yorkshire landscapes and recent Normandy paintings, demonstrating his deep connection to nature and mastery of color. Notably, the exhibition features over 200 iPad artworks created during the COVID-19 lockdown, exemplifying Hockney's embrace of technology in art.
Overcoming challenges to celebrate art
Despite facing health challenges, Hockney's commitment to his craft remains unwavering. The artist's resilience is evident in this extensive collection, which not only revisits his past works but also introduces new creations. Among these are intimate portraits of his great-nephew, Richard, who has been a recurring subject since childhood. These personal pieces add a familial touch to the exhibition, highlighting Hockney's ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader artistic themes.
An immersive and innovative exhibition
Curated by Norman Rosenthal, "David Hockney 25" utilizes the entire Frank Gehry-designed building of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, marking the first time the space has been dedicated to a single artist in this manner. The exhibition includes multimedia installations that challenge traditional perspectives, offering visitors a dynamic and engaging experience. One standout feature is "Hockney Paints the Stage," an immersive section showcasing his opera set designs, accompanied by musical compositions that enhance the sensory journey.
A testament to lifelong creativity
"David Hockney 25" stands as a testament to the artist's relentless pursuit of innovation and his profound impact on contemporary art. The exhibition not only celebrates Hockney's past achievements but also underscores his ongoing contributions to the art world. Visitors have the opportunity to witness the evolution of an artist who, even at 88, continues to push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide.
The exhibition is open to the public from April 9 to August 31, 2025, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. Art enthusiasts and newcomers alike are invited to explore this unparalleled retrospective, which offers a deep and comprehensive look into the life and work of David Hockney.
A journey through Hockney's artistic evolution
"David Hockney 25" offers visitors an immersive experience into the artist's evolving styles and mediums. The exhibition begins with Hockney's early works from the 1960s, which candidly depict aspects of gay life, reflecting his personal experiences and societal observations. It then transitions to his vibrant Los Angeles period, showcasing iconic swimming pool scenes that capture the essence of Californian culture. The retrospective also includes his expansive Yorkshire landscapes and recent Normandy paintings, demonstrating his deep connection to nature and mastery of color. Notably, the exhibition features over 200 iPad artworks created during the COVID-19 lockdown, exemplifying Hockney's embrace of technology in art.
Overcoming challenges to celebrate art
Despite facing health challenges, Hockney's commitment to his craft remains unwavering. The artist's resilience is evident in this extensive collection, which not only revisits his past works but also introduces new creations. Among these are intimate portraits of his great-nephew, Richard, who has been a recurring subject since childhood. These personal pieces add a familial touch to the exhibition, highlighting Hockney's ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader artistic themes.
An immersive and innovative exhibition
Curated by Norman Rosenthal, "David Hockney 25" utilizes the entire Frank Gehry-designed building of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, marking the first time the space has been dedicated to a single artist in this manner. The exhibition includes multimedia installations that challenge traditional perspectives, offering visitors a dynamic and engaging experience. One standout feature is "Hockney Paints the Stage," an immersive section showcasing his opera set designs, accompanied by musical compositions that enhance the sensory journey.
A testament to lifelong creativity
"David Hockney 25" stands as a testament to the artist's relentless pursuit of innovation and his profound impact on contemporary art. The exhibition not only celebrates Hockney's past achievements but also underscores his ongoing contributions to the art world. Visitors have the opportunity to witness the evolution of an artist who, even at 88, continues to push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide.
The exhibition is open to the public from April 9 to August 31, 2025, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. Art enthusiasts and newcomers alike are invited to explore this unparalleled retrospective, which offers a deep and comprehensive look into the life and work of David Hockney.