Hockney’s Monumental Normandy Chronicle Unveiled in London
British art luminary David Hockney, since his relocation to the picturesque rural landscape of Normandy in 2019, has found himself deeply entwined with the natural cadence of the countryside. Embraced by rolling orchards, meandering country lanes, and the ever-shifting canvas of the sky, the celebrated artist dedicated months to meticulously observing the subtle transformations of the seasons. Often working en plein air, Hockney, armed with his now-iconic Apple iPad, would sketch and paint outdoors, capturing the ephemeral nuances of light, the capricious moods of the weather, and the vibrant palette of colours that graced his surroundings. These daily observations, born from a profound connection with his environment, have culminated in what is arguably one of the most ambitious undertakings of his illustrious career.
A breathtaking 70-metre-long artwork, a monumental ode to the Bayeux Tapestry and the cyclical beauty of Normandy’s changing seasons, now takes centre stage as the crowning glory of a landmark new exhibition at London’s Serpentine Gallery. This exhibition, aptly titled A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about Painting, has been expertly curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, who expresses profound pride in bringing Hockney’s “magnum opus” back to the artist’s own neighbourhood in Kensington.
Obrist shared his enthusiasm, stating, “He always wanted to show A Year in Normandie in London because it’s never been seen here. It’s a magnum opus. It’s one of his greatest works.” The timely arrival of Hockney’s creation in London coincides with the British Museum’s presentation of the original Bayeux Tapestry, creating a fascinating dialogue between historical narrative and contemporary artistic interpretation. Visitors are encouraged to experience Hockney’s expansive work in a manner akin to viewing the ancient tapestry – by moving through the gallery’s darkened spaces, allowing the unfolding narrative of seasonal transition, from the starkness of winter to the nascent bloom of spring, to wash over them.
The exhibition is a rich tapestry of over 100 iPad paintings, all conceived and executed during the unprecedented period of the pandemic. These digital creations vividly capture the dynamic interplay of light and weather as it transformed the artist’s French garden across the four distinct seasons.
Beyond his digital explorations, the exhibition also showcases ten original paintings by Hockney, created with acrylic on canvas rather than his favoured iPad. These deeply personal works, rendered by the now 88-year-old artist, are portraits of his family members and those who provide his care. Each of these paintings shares a commonality in their frontal composition and the recurring visual motif of a checkered tablecloth. This deliberate choice by Hockney serves to underscore his long-held artistic conviction that all figurative art, when presented on a flat surface, is inherently abstract.
An Enduring Spirit of Innovation
Art critic Tabish Khan aptly describes David Hockney as a “national treasure,” noting his enduring appeal and his remarkable ability to attract new audiences. What truly sets Hockney apart, Khan observes, is his unwavering commitment to innovation, even as he has aged. “I think for an artist as they get older,” Khan reflects, “of course, they’ve got a lot of memory to lean back on and all their career that they’ve been through. 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.”
Hockney’s contemplation of themes like seasonal change resonates deeply, offering a profound connection to the natural world. His continued engagement with nature, even in his later years, demonstrates a vibrant artistic spirit that remains perpetually curious and inspired.
Extending the immersive experience beyond the gallery walls, a specially commissioned, site-specific digital mural has been installed in the garden at Serpentine North. This vibrant installation features a whimsical spring tree house, further blurring the lines between art, technology, and the natural environment.
The exhibition, A Year In Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about Painting, offers a unique opportunity to witness a master artist at the height of his creative powers, embracing new technologies while drawing inspiration from the timeless rhythms of nature and history. Importantly, this extraordinary exhibition is accessible to all, with admission being free to the public. The exhibition runs from 12 March to 23 August 2026.
