David Hockney Unveils Intimate New Portrait Series Celebrating His Inner Circle
Renowned British artist David Hockney, celebrated globally for his vibrant landscapes and pivotal contributions to the Pop Art movement, is set to unveil a deeply personal new exhibition. The collection, a testament to the people who form the bedrock of his life, features striking portraits of his dedicated carers and closest confidantes. This significant body of work will be on display at the prestigious Serpentine North gallery in London’s Hyde Park, running from March 12th to August 23rd.
At 88 years old, Hockney has navigated significant health challenges in recent years, including a minor stroke in 2013. Despite these adversies, his artistic output has remained prolific, with this latest exhibition serving as a profound homage to his inner circle. Among the subjects gracing the canvases are Thomas Mupfupi, one of his full-time carers, and Jack Ransome, the craftsman responsible for creating Hockney’s distinctive eyewear.
Hockney’s enduring philosophy on art is encapsulated in his own words: “I have always believed that art should be a deep pleasure. There is always, everywhere, an enormous amount of suffering, but I believe that my duty as an artist is to overcome and alleviate the sterility of despair. New ways of seeing mean new ways of feeling… I do believe that painting can change the world.” This sentiment permeates his latest creations, offering viewers a glimpse into his world and the individuals who inhabit it.
The exhibition will present a compelling collection, featuring a total of ten new works: five still lifes and five intimate portraits. Beyond his devoted carers, the exhibition also includes poignant portraits of Hockney’s family members. Adding another dimension to the display is a digitally produced mural of his meticulously tended garden at his 17th-century home in Normandy, France, created on his iPad.
Born in Bradford, Hockney’s illustrious career has spanned an impressive six decades. He honed his artistic skills at the Royal College of Art in London, graduating in 1962, and resided in the capital until 1973. His artistic journey then took him to the sun-drenched landscapes of Los Angeles in 1964, a city he called home for many years. He eventually returned to Britain in 2003, though his connection with Los Angeles remained strong, prompting a subsequent return after the tragic death of his studio assistant, Dominic Elliot, in 2013. Elliot, aged 23, passed away at Hockney’s Yorkshire home following the ingestion of Class A drugs, alcohol, and household drain cleaner.
Hockney’s impact on the art market was underscored in 2019 when his 1972 masterpiece, “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures),” commanded an astonishing $90.3 million at auction. At the time of its sale in 2018, this figure represented the highest price ever paid for a work by a living artist. Coincidentally, he acquired his Normandy estate in the same year, before returning to the UK once more in 2024. While he has chosen not to publicly disclose the specifics of his health issues, his continued artistic drive is undeniable.
Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of the Serpentine, lauded Hockney’s persistent exploration of the artistic medium. “At 88, David Hockney continues to explore the language of painting with remarkable ingenuity, fusing figurative and abstract modes across still lifes, portraits, and a panoramic frieze comprising more than 100 iPad paintings,” Obrist stated. “In his new portraits, he captures not only his sitters but also the very act of seeing, while the frieze offers a deeply personal meditation on the passage of time.”
Bettina Korek, Serpentine’s Chief Executive, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the profound impact of Hockney’s work on the viewer. “David Hockney’s work invites us to slow down, to look closely, and to reconnect with the world around us,” she remarked. This exhibition promises to be an unmissable event for art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper appreciation of the human connection and the enduring power of artistic expression.
