David Hockney Mist (M.C.A.T) 129 For Sale

Mist, 1973, by David Hockney from his innovative set of lithographs, The Weather Series, was partly inspired by representation of the weather in Japanese art traditions. The scenes were depicted during a time when Hockney had just moved to California and was struck by the vibrant landscape: hence the immediate image in Mist is of the iconic LA palm trees.

In Mist, the precise composition is deceptive of the layers and depths to the simple scene: the ephemeral depiction of the dramatic LA palm trees also, on closer inspection, pay homage to Monet’s famed paintings of poplar trees along the River Epte and the brutalist type building featured by the trees is covered in a mist which Hockney creates like a soft pink, cloudy glow: the artist, therefore, contrasts the bold motifs with the ephemeral visage, light and soft focus that resembles Impressionist painting styles.

Ironically ‘because Los Angeles has no weather’ (commented Sidney Felsen from Gemini printmaker studio) Hockney found himself creating most of The Weather Series with famed master printer, Kenneth Tyler, from Gemini studio, who also worked with him on his 1984 Moving Focus series. And in doing so, he found a whole new visual language merging screenprint and lithograph for the first time. In Mist, Hockney was adamant that he would not just spray it on, ‘you know, it’s too easy.’ Instead, the artist’s expert colourist eye conjures the haze with a sponged pink scattered with tangled strands of grey.

In Mist, Hockney explores new ground by juxtaposing Eastern and Western traditions and motifs: he weaves together traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e themes like depiction of place and ephemeral beauty with the Western iconography of Los Angeles palm trees and the association of the Hollywood dream. Through this unexpected merging of traditional, modernity and urbanisation through the lens of a passing weather condition, Hockney creates a timeless masterpiece.