150 “Never Before Seen” David Hockney Artworks Debut at Halcyon

The exhibition, titled “Living in Colour,” is of the greatest assemblages of David Hockney's graphics globally, encompassing six decades of his distinguished career.

London's art sector is a bastion of eclectic inventiveness, with notable locations like Halcyon leading the way. LUXUO already reported on emerging artist Graceland London’s debut at Halcyon Gallery in London, and now we focus on the iconic David Hockney, whose vibrant works are poised to be the main attraction. “Dedicated to a pivotal British artist of the 20th century—an individual who left an indelible impact in the 1960s and remains pertinent today.” “This presents a singular opportunity to narrate his story and render his work accessible to a broad audience,” states Paul Green, president and creator of Halcyon.

A comprehensive collection of David Hockney's graphic works is arriving at Halcyon, located at 148 New Bond Street. The exhibition showcases more than 150 works throughout six decades of Hockney’s distinguished career (1961 to 2018), encompassing his renowned pool scenes, self-portraits, intimate depictions of friends, along with compelling still lifes and landscapes. This unique opportunity provides visitors with an in-depth exploration of the development of one of Britain's most renowned contemporary painters.

David Hockney was a trailblazer in contemporary art and digital painting, recognized for his groundbreaking techniques in color and perspective. Throughout his career, Hockney adopted innovative technology, ranging from experimentation with photocopiers in the 1980s to the creation of digital masterpieces on the iPad in the 21st century. Visitors will encounter a diverse array of iPad drawings, offering profound insight into his distinctive exploration of this novel medium. His work has persistently contested traditional techniques, establishing him as a pivotal player in the advancement of contemporary art. Hockney's efforts have profoundly impacted visual art and the integration of technology in artistic expression.

Hockney's pool paintings are among the most significant images of the 20th century, encapsulating the brilliant energy and sense of liberation linked to Los Angeles, where they were initially produced. Visitors will experience the appeal of Hockney’s iridescent pools, characterized by crisp geometry, which evoke an overpowering impulse to dive in. Visitors will also view works from the Moving Focus series, esteemed as Hockney's most ambitious and adventurous print collection. This series includes portraits, landscapes, interiors, and still lifes, demonstrating his remarkable use of color and the significant impact of Pablo Picasso on his artistic perspective.

The exhibition provides insight into Hockney's daily life, featuring depictions of his studios, domestic objects, and portraits of friends, family, and his beloved dachshunds. These works document his trip from Yorkshire to California. Notable features include two exceptional photographs of Gregory Evans, his former partner, and Celia Birtwell, a distinguished textile designer and enduring friend. His dynamic application of color and passion reflects the influence of Pablo Picasso on his talent. Established in 1973, his works entitled The Student, Homage to Picasso, and Artist and Model illustrate his conflict with his inspiration, the cubism pioneer.

A notable influence on Hockney's career is Vincent van Gogh, whose impact is recognized throughout his oeuvre, particularly in Van Gogh Chair (1998). This work is a clear homage to the post-impressionist who depicted the identical subject precisely one hundred years prior. Although aspects of Impressionism and Cubism are present in his paintings, the mundane subjects of Hockney's art challenge his realist methodology, rendering them in a romantic and vivid manner.

“Living in Colour” is the latest show by Halcyon, highlighting the works of prominent artists, like Dominic Harris, Andy Warhol, and Bob Dylan, among others.

David Hockney: Living in Colour has officially commenced at Halcyon’s primary location at 148 New Bond Street and at Harrods.