Hockney, Printmaker, Dulwich Picture Gallery, until 11th May 2014
David Hockney,
Lithographic Water Made Of Lines And Crayon (Pool II-B) 1978-80,
Lithograph, 29 1/4″ x 34″, Edition: 42
© David Hockney / Tyler Graphics Ltd.
This exhibition coincides with the 60th anniversary of the creation of David Hockney’s first print and is an extensive survey of his etchings and lithographs, which are the two main techniques he uses in executing his prints. There are over a hundred works on show, dating from 1954 to his computer works of 2009.
David Hockney,
Two Boys Aged 23 or 24 from Illustrations For Fourteen Poems from C.P. Cavafy, 1966-67,
Etching, 31 1/2 x 22
© DAVID HOCKNEY
What becomes apparent and may not be a well-known fact is his use of literary sources, including poetry. Just as in his paintings, portraits are an important and revealing subject matter, among these are to be found Celia Birtwell, Peter Langan and the art historian and curator Henry Geldzahler.
David Hockney,
Celia, 1973,
Lithograph, 42 3/4″ x 28 1/2″ ED: 52,
© David Hockney / Gemini G.E.L.
What is noticeable is that throughout this sixty-year period Hockney is searching for new methods and ways of expression and technique. Is it I wonder an attempt to recreate the excitement of his early explosion on to the art scene? No matter what, judging by the amount of people visiting the show on the day I was there, he is a deservedly popular artist.
David Hockney,
Views of Hotel Well III, 1984-85,
Lithograph, 48 1/2″ x 38 1/2″ Edition: 80,
© David Hockney / Tyler Graphics Ltd., Photo Credit: Richard Schmidt
Tim Forrest's E & A 