Hockney’s Epic Normandy Chronicle Unveiled in Landmark London Exhibition
British art titan David Hockney, now a resident of rural Normandy, has unveiled one of the most ambitious projects of his illustrious career: a monumental 70-metre-long artwork inspired by the historic Bayeux Tapestry and the ever-changing seasons of his French countryside home. The exhibition, aptly titled A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about Painting, is making its London debut at the prestigious Serpentine Gallery.
Since relocating to Normandy in 2019, Hockney has been deeply immersed in the pastoral landscape. His days have been filled with observing the subtle shifts in light, weather, and colour across the orchards, winding lanes, and vast skies surrounding his property. Often working en plein air (outdoors), the prolific artist has utilised his now-iconic Apple iPad to sketch and paint, capturing the ephemeral beauty of the natural world. These daily observations have coalesced into a truly epic artistic statement.
A Modern Tapestry: “A Year in Normandie”
Curated by the renowned Hans Ulrich Obrist, this exhibition marks the first time Hockney’s “magnum opus” has been shown in London, a significant homecoming for the artist who has long resided in Kensington. Obrist expressed his immense pride in bringing this significant work to the artist’s home turf, calling it “one of his greatest works.”
The timing of the exhibition is particularly poignant, coinciding with the Bayeux Tapestry’s own presentation at London’s British Museum. This parallel showcases the enduring power of narrative art and its ability to capture historical and seasonal moments. Much like its ancient predecessor, Hockney’s expansive artwork is designed to be experienced as a journey, guiding viewers through darkened gallery spaces to witness the transition of seasons, from the starkness of winter to the burgeoning life of spring.
The core of A Year in Normandie comprises over 100 iPad paintings created during the global pandemic. These digital canvases vividly depict the dynamic interplay of light and weather as observed across four distinct seasons in Hockney’s French garden.
Beyond the Digital: New Portraits Emerge
Complementing the digital masterpieces, the exhibition also showcases ten original paintings created by Hockney using acrylic on canvas. These are not landscapes, but rather intimate portraits of his family members and carers. Each of these new paintings shares a common frontal composition and features a recurring motif: a checkered tablecloth. This deliberate element reflects Hockney’s ongoing exploration of art theory, particularly his belief that all figurative art rendered on a flat surface is inherently abstract.
Innovation Endures at 88
Art critic Tabish Khan remarked on Hockney’s enduring relevance, describing him as a “national treasure” whose name alone draws significant audiences. Khan highlighted Hockney’s unwavering commitment to innovation, even at the remarkable age of 88. “What I think we can all appreciate about him is as he’s got older, he never stops innovating,” Khan stated.
Khan also found Hockney’s contemplation of seasonal changes particularly insightful. “I think for an artist as they get older, of course, they’ve got a lot of memory to lean back on and all their career that they’ve been through,” he observed. “But he’s also living in the present. This is him living in Normandy, spending a year there, seeing how the seasons change. He’s still enriched by nature, which I think is really beautiful and wonderful.”
An Immersive Outdoor Experience
Extending the exhibition’s reach beyond the gallery walls, a site-specific digital mural has been installed in the Serpentine’s garden. This vibrant piece features a spring tree house, inviting visitors to further connect with Hockney’s vision of nature and renewal.
A Year In Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about Painting is a free exhibition, offering a unique opportunity for the public to engage with a significant body of work from one of the world’s most celebrated living artists. The exhibition runs from 12 March to 23 August 2026.
