His brightly colored paintings are currently enveloping the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a transformative gallery or space in Paris. David Hockney 25 is a tribute to a name that never stops exploring, the man on the title himself. Running since the beginning of the year, the exhibition has now entered its final month.
Its brightly colored paintings are currently enveloping Fondation Louis Vuitton, a gallery or transformative space in Paris. David Hockney 25 is an appreciation of a name that never stops exploring, the man on the title himself.
Running since the beginning of the year, the exhibition has now entered its final month. More than 400 works by the artist from Bradford, England, will return to their respective homes on August 31, 2025. From classic paintings, ink on paper, video installations, and, of course, his work in digital media.
Tampak ruang instalasi video di pameran David Hockney 25, Dok. Fondation Louis Vuitton
This exhibition is the largest retrospective of his lifetime. It tells the story of an artist born in 1937 who continues to create, regardless of the times that constantly shift.
Who Is David Hockney?
Hockney is not an ordinary artist. He began creating in 1955, and his name rose to prominence in the 1960s as one of the icons of British Pop Art. He is one of those renowned artists who never stops learning. From the Baroque movement and Cubism to the color theories used in advertising, Hockney weaves them all into his own style.
David Hockney, A Bigger Splash, 1967, Dok. David Hockney
Throughout more than seven decades of his career, several of Hockney’s works have become particularly well known. These include A Bigger Splash (1967), Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy (1971), Portrait of an Artist (1972), My Parents (1977), portraits of his friends, and scenes capturing the changing seasons in Normandy.
David Hockney’s Largest Retrospective
The five-month exhibition occupies 11 rooms at Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris. It does not only showcase works from his earlier years; this retrospective also includes his latest works. In fact, during the preparations, David was reportedly busy “patching” colors onto his canvases.
Almost every corner of this building, part of the fashion tycoon group, LVMH, is filled with David’s works. From oil paintings, acrylics, pencil drawings, and digital murals to video installations that leave visitors captivated through their interplay of light and the seasons.
Tampak ruang instalasi video di pameran David Hockney 25, Dok. Fondation Louis Vuitton
A neon light bearing the words “Do remember they can’t cancel the spring” becomes the exhibition’s overarching narrative. It is his reflection on the pandemic era, remaining optimistic and believing that life would continue even as all kinds of restrictions were introduced every day.
What Makes David Hockney Special?
A unique style that is unmistakably his own.
While other artists are often associated with a particular style or movement, Hockney moves fluidly across many. He breaks the “rules” of perspective, combines different viewpoints, and moves from classical painting to digital technology without missing a beat. He even experimented with painting on the iPad as early as the 2010s, proving that art is not about the medium, but about the way we see and express ourselves.His love for life.
Hockney is not an artist who feels “distant” from people. Instead, he shows us what comes and goes in everyday life. He finds these elements in swimming pools, homes, dining rooms, and the faces of those close to him. The everyday lives of modern people become his primary subjects. This differs from many Pop-Art artists, who tend to absorb icons of mass consumerism. Hockney, instead, chooses subjects that feel more humanistic and warm.A rebel with taste.
Hockney is someone who does not concern himself too much with convention. At a time when the country where he was born was still anti-LGBTQ+, he never concealed his sexuality. He boldly interpreted his experience of love on canvas, particularly in his series featuring swimming pools.
The Takeout
This exhibition invites us to see how a maestro never stops seeking new knowledge. Being in his 80s is no obstacle. Even today, he continues to paint, experiment with technology, and create large-scale works. He proves that he is a true artist.
Learn from Hockney’s resilience.
In an age where everything moves so quickly, he proves that personal and creative growth can take place throughout a lifetime. He never limits himself to a single era, technique, or way of seeing.An inspiration to those around him.
From speaking openly about his identity to learning new technical approaches, Hockney does everything wholeheartedly.Seeing art as a bridge.
Hockney’s works are known and collected across many countries, including Indonesia. It is proof that art can become a medium for dialogue across borders, eras, and identities.
Lukisan portrait dari orang-orang di sekitar David, Dok. Fondation Louis Vuitton
The David Hockney 25 exhibition in Paris is not simply an exhibition of paintings. It is an invitation to see the world more broadly, more colorfully, and more freely. Because, as the message displayed in neon pink reminds us: “Do remember they can’t cancel the spring”. In other words, whatever season we find ourselves in, there is always room to grow new ideas and hope. Starting with the things around us, from colors and seasons to technology, without having to remain bound by old patterns.
Many artists have managed to become symbols of their cultures, movements, countries, and traditions. Besides David Hockney, another example is Frida Kahlo. There is plenty we can learn from this formidable and impressive woman from Mexico.
