The exhibition is the largest retrospective print exhibition of Hockney’s career, with more than 100 colorful prints, collages and photographic and iPad drawings in a variety of media spanning six decades of the artist’s career.
Co-curators Katherine Love and Catherine Whitney meticulously crafted the Homa exhibition, presenting it with a vibrant backdrop of bold red, blue, and white walls that guide viewers through Hockney's ever-evolving exploration of visual forms. The exhibition is divided into six sections, commencing with Hockney's early works and culminating in digital paintings created using iPhone and iPad during the pandemic. Love and Whitney noted that a central theme of the exhibition is the exploration of dualities within Hockney's oeuvre.
“We were drawn to different time periods, and making sure we were representing earlier time periods, through to later and different media – the photo collages, the photographs of drawings, and iPad, iPhone, and other digital drawing,” said Katherine Love, a co-curator of the show alongside Catherine Whitney, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs.
At the heart of the exhibition is the notion of reversing perspective, a concept Hockney, now 86, has pursued for years. This is evident in his groundbreaking work with Polaroid snapshots, where he constructed expansive collages that incorporated multiple perspectives, challenging the traditional single vanishing point in Western art. Hockney's fascination with incorporating the latest technology into his art is a recurring theme throughout the exhibition.
“One thing we really wanted to play with in the dualities is the idea of interiors and exteriors,” said Whitney. “There’s also a sense of stillness and tension, and also balance and calm. There are just so many contrasting binaries in the work throughout his career. He has an incredible way of contrasting opposites in a celebratory way.”
The show also highlights Hockney's admiration for Pablo Picasso and their shared exploration of breaking away from conventional representation. Hockney's Polaroid collages, showcased in the exhibition, offer a glimpse into his pioneering efforts to introduce cubist elements into photography, challenging the static viewpoint inherent in traditional photography.
In addition to Polaroid collages, the exhibition includes works created exclusively on iPhones and iPads, showcasing Hockney's exploration of the English countryside and his meticulous chronicling of the changing seasons in his Woldgate series. These late works are characterised by vibrant colours and intricate lines, drawing viewers into Hockney's evolving artistic interests.
While Perspective Should Be Reversed draws from the extensive collection of Jordan Schnitzer, a prominent Oregon-based real estate developer and arts philanthropist, it serves as a valuable addition to the Honolulu Museum of Art's diverse contemporary art offerings. The exhibition spans nearly seven decades of Hockney's career, making it a must-see for both residents and visitors to the island.
Jordan Schnitzer expressed his joy in bringing Hockney's work to the museum, highlighting the opportunity it provides to showcase the best of the artist. The Jordan Schnitzer family foundation has played a significant role in organising numerous exhibitions, furthering its commitment to supporting the arts.
In conclusion, Perspective Should Be Reversed at the Honolulu Museum of Art stands as David Hockney's largest print exhibition to date, offering a captivating journey through the artist's extensive career, from his early works to his innovative use of digital technology. It is a testament to Hockney's enduring creativity and his ability to challenge the conventions of art throughout his life.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the official website.
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