Dates: 9 April to 31 August 2025
Location: Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, France.
Hockney, now 87, has been deeply involved in curating this exhibition. The retrospective will encompass a diverse array of media, including oil and acrylic paintings, ink, pencil, and charcoal drawings, digital art created on iPhones and iPads, and immersive video installations. The artist's commitment to exploring new technologies and mediums is evident throughout the exhibition.
The exhibition is organised both thematically and chronologically, beginning with Hockney's early works from the 1950s to the 1970s. Visitors will encounter pieces from his time in Bradford, such as "Portrait of My Father" (1955), and iconic works like "A Bigger Splash" (1967) and "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" (1972). These pieces highlight Hockney's fascination with Californian life and his innovative approach to depicting water and light.
A significant portion of the exhibition focuses on the past 25 years of Hockney's career, during which he spent time in Yorkshire, Normandy, and London. This period includes vibrant landscape paintings like "May Blossom on the Roman Road" (2009) and the monumental "Bigger Trees near Warter or/ou Peinture sur le Motif pour le Nouvel Age Post-Photographique" (2007), on loan from the Tate. These works reflect Hockney's deep connection to nature and his continuous exploration of perspective and space.
The exhibition also showcases approximately 60 portraits of friends and relatives, created using acrylics and digital mediums. Notably, Hockney's "portraits of flowers," crafted on a digital tablet and displayed in traditional frames, offer an intriguing blend of classic and contemporary techniques. This fusion underscores Hockney's ability to adapt and innovate across different artistic platforms.
The final section of the exhibition unveils Hockney's most recent works, produced in London since his return in July 2023. These pieces, inspired by artists like Edvard Munch and William Blake, delve into themes of astronomy, history, and spirituality. A notable inclusion is Hockney's latest self-portrait, "Play within a Play," reflecting his introspective examination of his artistic journey.
Sir Norman Rosenthal, the guest curator and former head of the Royal Academy of Arts, emphasises Hockney's prolific nature and his ability to reinvent his art through new media. Rosenthal compares Hockney to Picasso in terms of breadth, variety, and sheer production, highlighting his status as a contemporary artist-philosopher.
David Hockney’s paintings and prints are highly sought after. The current record price for a painting is $90 million USD for his 1972 “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures). We are often asked where to buy David Hockney prints? To buy limited edition prints signed by David Hockney please contact Andipa Editions at sales@andipa.com or explore how much David Hockney prints are worth with a selection of Hockney ipad prints for sale: https://andipaeditions.com/david-hockney/prints-for-sale/. To buy David Hockney paintings please contact Andipa Gallery on: +44 207 581 1244.
Do visit The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, designed by architect Frank Gehry, it provides a fitting venue for this monumental exhibition. The building's innovative design complements Hockney's dynamic and exploratory approach to art, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.
"David Hockney, 25" is not just a retrospective; it's a celebration of an artist who continues to challenge and redefine the boundaries of visual art. Whether you're a long-time admirer or new to Hockney's work, this exhibition promises an unparalleled insight into his creative universe. Paris here we come.
Related articles for further reading. Here is a selection of various articles for you and information about the exhibition:
W Magazine article 18 March 2025: https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/david-hockney-interview-fondation-louis-vuitton-paris-exhibition-2025
Pace Gallery: https://www.pacegallery.com/journal/david-hockney-fondation-louis-vuitton/
Fondation Louis Vuitton: https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/events/david-hockney-25
Selection of available David Hockney Prints for sale: https://andipaeditions.com/david-hockney/prints-for-sale/