To The Galleries Again

The morning found me unconscious in the Land of Nod. The afternoon, however, saw me wandering through a David Hockney exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery just off Trafalgar Square. And what a splendid show it was. On offer was a retrospective, spanning fifty years, of some of Hockney’s most famous portraitures – of himself, of his family, his amazingly-wide circle of friends, and even of his dogs.

Probably one of the most celebrated contemporary artists, Hockney came to prominence in the 1960s. Moving to California from his native England, he felt invigorated by the sunny optimism of his new home, and also began developing the bright and realistic style that’s come to characterize his works. Sleek lines, vivid colours, and uncluttered settings – all of which represent hallmarks of the Hockney technique. His paintings of the California swimming pool have almost become icons of the generation.

Of course, he didn’t confine himself to paintings and drawings, having also experimented with photography. Particularly captivating was his series of composite polariod portraits which bore more than a resemblance to the Cubist paintings of his idol Pablo Picasso. It wasn't particularly difficult technically to execute. No actual painting was required. It's one of those things which makes you wonder to yourself, "Hey, I could have done it too (and made lots of money!)" Except, of course, I didn't...

The portraits exhibited in the Gallery included some of Hockney’s most famous, such as Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy, a large portrayal of the then couple Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell, along with a large white cat Percy. Recently, the work was even voted one of Britain’s most favourite paintings, although top position went to JMW Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire, hanging just next door at the National Gallery.

It’s truly truly amazing to be in a city with so much great art.