A Bigger Picture Book Review
23.01.12: Bright & Beautiful
"We live inside nature and are part of nature. How can our visual excitement about it be 'over'?" - David Hockney.
David Hockney (b. 1937) has always been closely associated with Pop Art and California, where he has lived for much of his life. This major study of his work, published to accompany the exhibition showing at the Royal Academy of Arts in London (21 January - 9 April 2012), redefines him as an important painter of the English countryside, presenting his recent landscapes for the first time. In an attempt to renew contemporary art, Hockney has returned to painting in the open air, observing with honesty and intensity the scenery of his childhood in East Yorkshire.
Marco Livingstone explores this bold departure in the context of Hockneys sixty-year career, while other contributors address the artists place in the landscape tradition, his recent video works and their relationship to English landscape film-making, and his ongoing use of new technologies. Illustrated with paintings, iPad drawings and video stills, many of which have never been seen before, this landmark publication confirms David Hockney as one of the greatest artists of his generation.
The exhibition catalogue has 304 pages with 250 colour illustrations, & measures 30 x 28cm.
On its release in January 2012 it instantly became a best seller. For me I haven't seen colour like it! Page upon page of beautiful colour, vividness, of East Yorkshire bathed in the light of Heaen. A bit like the celebrated cinematography Jack Cardiff and his work on films like A Matter of Life & Death, Black Narcissus and Pandora & The Flying Dutchman. Astonishingly pure.
Hardcover book available: amazon.co.uk
My Yorkshire book available:
amazon.co.uk
A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney book available:
amazon.co.uk
David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture Exhibition
21 January — 9 April 2012
Details of the exhibition for which A Bigger Picture book accompanies.
Royal Academy of Art
Main Galleries
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BD
UK
General enquiries: 020 7300 8000
Book tickets: 0844 209 0051
(calls cost 5p per minute, booking fees apply)
(international callers please telephone +44 (0)844 209 0051)
10am - 6pm Saturday-Thursday
(last admission to galleries 5.30pm)
10am - 10pm Friday
(last admission to galleries 9.30pm)
Extended opening hours for David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture: 9am-10pm Saturdays
(except 18 Feb and 17 Mar) (10am-10pm)
Gift Aid Adult: £15.50
Gift Aid Senior (60+): £14
Adults: £14
Concessions (seniors, disabled, NADFAS, Art Fund): £13
Disabled carers: Free
Corporate Guests: £9
Students (NUS): £9
Children 12-18 years/Income Support/unwaged: £4
Children 8-11 years: £3
Under 7 years: Free
Nearest Underground: Green Park
