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David Hockney Exhibition 2025: A Retrospective at Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris
The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris is set to host a monumental retrospective of David Hockney, one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Running from 9 April to 1 September 2025, this highly anticipated exhibition will showcase over 400 works spanning Hockney’s seven-decade career. From his iconic swimming pool paintings to his groundbreaking iPad still life's, this immersive exhibition celebrates Hockney’s continual reinvention of artistic expression.
Exhibition Highlights
A Comprehensive Retrospective
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Iconic Early Works (1950s–1970s):
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The exhibition begins with a selection of Hockney’s most celebrated and quintessential pieces, including A Bigger Splash (1967) and Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) (1972). These iconic works reflect his exploration of light, movement, and water. These pool pieces also reflect Hockney’s personal relationships during his time in the ‘Golden State’ of California, as Hockney used photographs of his former lover, Peter Schlesinger, as inspiration for the painting.
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Yorkshire and Normandy Landscapes:
Nature takes centre stage with works like May Blossom on the Roman Road (2009) and Bigger Trees near Warter (2007). The exhibition also includes Hockney’s innovative iPad series, 220 for 2020, a vivid portrayal of Normandy changing throughout the seasons.
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Portraiture and Flowers:
A dedicated gallery will feature 60 portraits, including self-portraits and Hockney’s captivating “portraits of flowers.” 25th June 2022, Looking at the Flowers (Framed), a digital tablet creation displayed in traditional frames, exemplifies his unique blending of old and new techniques, offering a new and exciting take on the ‘still life’.
Immersive Installations and Rare Insights
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Digital Innovation:
Visitors will get the chance to experience Hockney’s immersive video installations, showcasing his iPad and iPhone works in large-scale projections. These installations highlight Hockney’s ability to embrace cutting-edge technology while maintaining a connection to classical art traditions.
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Hockney’s Studio and Inspirations:
A section of the exhibition recreates the artist’s studio, offering a rare glimpse into Hockney’s creative process. This includes his ongoing dialogue with the canon of art history, from Renaissance masters like Fra Angelico to modern icons like Picasso and Van Gogh.
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Opera Set Designs:
Passionate about opera, Hockney has reinterpreted his set designs in a new polyphonic creation, immersing visitors in a blend of music and art within the Fondation’s largest gallery space.
The Artist’s Involvement
David Hockney has personally curated every aspect of the exhibition, working closely with his partner Jean-Pierre Gonçalves de Lima and assistant Jonathan Wilkinson. Commenting on the immense scale of the retrospective, Hockney said:
“This exhibition means an enormous amount because it is the largest exhibition I’ve ever had – 11 rooms in the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Some of the most recent paintings I’m working on now will be included in it, and I think it’s going to be very good.”
A Journey Through Art and Time
Early Works and California
Hockney’s early prints and paintings are defined by his bold use of colour and exploration of contemporary life. Highlights include:
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Portrait of My Father (1955), a reflective work from his formative years in Bradford.
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Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Percy (1970–71), a celebrated double portrait capturing the elegance of 1970s Britain.
Return to Nature
Hockney’s fascination with landscapes deepened in the 1980s and 1990s, as seen in A Bigger Grand Canyon (1998). His later Yorkshire and Normandy landscapes reveal a profound connection to nature, culminating in monumental works like Bigger Trees near Water.
Recent Works and New Directions
The final gallery showcases Hockney’s most recent works, including After Munch: Less is Known than People Think (2023) and After Blake: Less is Known than People Think (2024). These enigmatic pieces blend astronomy, history, and spirituality, reflecting Hockney’s continued evolution across genres.
Plan Your Visit
Practical Information
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Dates: 9 April – 1 September 2025
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Location: Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Paris, France
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Tickets: Available via the Fondation Louis Vuitton website. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Don’t Miss
This retrospective promises to be one of the must-see Paris art exhibitions of 2025, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most influential living artists.
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