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‘His last kiss to the world’: David Hockney’s return to Yorkshire triggered a glorious reawakening
When the artist came home from LA, it seemed like a retirement. But it heralded an astonishing new chapter. Our critic remembers their thrilling dinners together – and the dazzling new works that arrived in his inbox every morning
TL;DR
- David Hockney's career has seen a significant evolution, from his early iconic works like swimming pools and portraits to his later iPad paintings of nature.
- A blockbuster show at the Fondation Louis Vuitton emphasized his work this century, arguing that his later pieces are as significant as his early ones.
- Hockney's shift towards art history, theories of perspective, and rural landscapes marked a departure from his earlier focus on Hollywood hedonism and male beauty.
- During the pandemic lockdown in Normandy, Hockney used an iPad to create and share paintings of his garden, sending them out via email to spread cheer.
- The author recounts personal experiences with Hockney, including dinners and discussions about art, technology, and his personal life.
- Hockney's later art is seen as a celebration of life, nature, and perception, demonstrating the democratic and universal nature of art.
- His work in the 21st century, particularly his late vision, was celebrated in a Paris exhibition and at the Serpentine Gallery, cementing his status as a major artist.