David Hockney: From the Beginning
David Hockney is one of the most influential and iconic artists of the 20th century. Known for his paintings of Los Angeles swimming pools, photo collages and use of an iPad, his earlier work demonstrates his lifelong preoccupation with people, places, space and water.
This exhibition brings together a unique selection of paintings and prints dating from the 1960s to 1978, which chart the early development of his style, interests, and sexuality. It explores the themes, places and people that inspired him, and the techniques and challenges he embraced.
Tirelessly productive and internationally-renowned, Hockney’s prodigious talent was already in evidence and evolving. His output flourished in the 1960s and changed dramatically by the early 1970s, with these 30 works showing his diversity and experimentation. These are loosely categorised by themes: love, prints, water, and people. Hockney’s preoccupations and experiences informed his work with reference to his own sexuality, depictions of the reflective qualities of water and intimate portraits.
The River & Rowing Museum is grateful for loans from the Arts Council, the Royal College of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Council and the National Portrait Gallery.
