David Hockney’s 25th March 2021, Flowers on a Table Edge, 2021 captures a classic round glass vase brimming with water and a lively bouquet of flowers. As part of his 20 Flowers and Some Bigger Pictures series, this artwork reflects Hockney's meticulous observation of the same vase of flowers in his kitchen during the pandemic lockdown. Fascinated by the way the low winter sun illuminated the vase, Hockney explored various perspectives on this recurring subject.
Using smudging and wavering lines, Hockney evokes the fluidity of the water inside the vase, while sunlight casts intricate reflections onto the blue gingham tablecloth beneath it.The bouquet features verdant green leaves, stems, and a mix of blue, yellow, and brown buds arranged within the glass vase.
The digital medium is evident in this artwork through its squiggly lines, smudged brushstrokes, and deliberately unfinished shapes. These elements not only engage with the traditional still life genre but also allow Hockney to explore his passion for creating art that dialogues with its own history.