David Hockney at Annely Juda: The Greatest Living Painter
The Relentless Forward Motion of David Hockney
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David Hockney, the celebrated artist, possesses a rare adn vital quality: a refusal to rest on his laurels. As choreographer Wayne Sleep observed, hockney consistently challenges himself, embracing new mediums and techniques with an almost insatiable curiosity. This isn’t simply experimentation for its own sake; it’s a fundamental drive to continually evolve and push the boundaries of his art.
A Disdain for Retrospection
Joe Simon, a close friend of hockney, articulated the core of this artistic philosophy. According to Simon, Hockney’s “greatest dislike is looking backwards.” Anything that doesn’t propel him forward, that doesn’t offer new creative territory, simply doesn’t hold his interest. This perspective underscores a commitment to innovation that has defined his decades-long career.
Portraits as Celebration
Hockney’s portraiture, in particular, reveals a profound respect and affection for his subjects. Simon’s own portrait, a personal favorite, exemplifies this approach.The subject is presented not merely as they are, but as Hockney *sees* them – framed in gold, their name rendered as a purposeful and celebratory inscription. It’s as if Hockney is actively promoting the individuals he holds dear, elevating their presence through his art.
Honesty in Process
Hockney’s artistic process is marked by a striking honesty. In Simon’s portrait, for example, Hockney visibly reshaped the subject’s face with white paint, leaving the correction unhidden. This isn’t a stylistic flourish, but rather a transparent depiction of the artistic journey – a willingness to show the evolution of the work and the artist’s deliberate choices. Simon described the sittings themselves as deeply intimate experiences. Hockney’s focused attention – leaning close, squinting, clicking his tongue, and meticulously comparing the subject to the canvas – culminates in a moment of satisfaction, often marked by a lit cigarette.