Hailed as Britain’s greatest living artist, David Hockney unveiled his world-premiere exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria yesterday. In a rare Australian appearance, Hockney attended the NGV to launch David Hockney: Current, containing more than 1200 works from the last decade of the artist’s career.
Renowned for embracing new technologies, Hockney has produced thousands of drawings and works created on iPhone, iPad and in video. “I think these new technologies are a great new medium to work on”, said Hockney, “But what I really love about the iPad is that it’s always ready. It’s instant. I can just pick it up, without preparing any paints.”
David Hockney: Current is the first real exhibition of Hockney’s iPhone and iPad works, with some pieces being presented both on screens and as prints. Also on display is one immersive room installation, 4 Blue Stools, a digitally constructed image of Hockney’s Hollywood Hills studio.
Other highlights of the exhibition include Bigger Trees Near Water, Hockney’s largest painting comprised of 50 oil on canvas panels, and the centrepiece of Hockney’s hugely popular exhibition A Bigger Picture at the Royal Academy, London.
“I think it’s an absolutely terrific exhibition,” said Hockney. “This is the first time I’ve done it on this scale. This exhibition is really a marvelous review of the last ten years of my work.”
David Hockney: Current is on display from 11 November 2016 to 13 March 2017. More information can be found via the NGV Website
