Hotel Acatlan: Second Day (1984) is the second print in David Hockney’s sequence depicting the previously obscure Hotel Romano Angeles in Acatlan.
The scene is brought to life with the vibrant colours characteristic of the Mexican landscape. The red brick arches, formidable columns supporting a sweeping blue portico, leafy cacti, and warm desert tones all contribute to the authenticity and vividness of the setting.
This second depiction immerses the viewer in the scene from the front, looking into the building and its surroundings. The rich colour palette and sunlight spilling into the garden-scape evoke the feeling of being there in person. Hockney, an early riser who cherishes morning light, merges his playful pop art style with the detail-oriented approach of Renaissance painters, adding nuance to the true-to-life elements.