David Hockney at the Flash Expo in 2017. Photo: Connaissance des Arts. via Wikimedia

Explore the vibrant life and art of David Hockney in Hockney: A Graphic Life by Simon Elliott. Follow his creative evolution from Bradford to digital innovation.

KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

Few names in the realm of art shine as brightly as that of David Hockney. An iconic figure in the art world, Hockney’s life and work have captivated art enthusiasts for decades. Now, in a unique and engaging format, his exceptional journey is immortalized in Hockney: A Graphic Life, a biographical graphic novel. The book offers a colorful and thought-provoking perspective on one of the world’s most beloved artists.

David Hockney’s journey begins in the charming city of Bradford. As a young boy, he exhibited an innate talent for art, setting the stage for what would become an extraordinary career. Hockney: A Graphic Life takes us on a visually stunning ride through Hockney’s early years, chronicling his artistic development and the experiences that shaped him as an artist.

David Hockney: Embracing Creativity and Freedom

Embracing the spirit of adventure, Hockney ventured to Los Angeles. There, he found inspiration in the vibrant colors and sunny landscapes. This period marked a turning point in his career as he explored new artistic techniques and pushed the boundaries of conventional art. Hockney: A Graphic Life vividly portrays this transformative phase in Hockney’s journey. It highlights the profound impact of his move to Los Angeles on his artistic expression.

Among the myriad of captivating colors and scenes that Los Angeles offered was the alluring azure of swimming pools that left an indelible mark on Hockney’s creative psyche. The significance of these aquatic oases in shaping Hockney’s artistic identity cannot be overstated. The remarkable auction prices achieved by his paintings and prints featuring swimming pools exemplify this fact.

On November 15, 2018, “Portrait Of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures)” not only became Hockney’s most expensive work ever auctioned but also set a record as the most expensive artwork by any living artist at that time. This iconic piece, seamlessly blending Hockney’s signature swimming pool motif with the timeless allure of a double portrait sold for USD 90,312,500, a price nearly US$30 million higher than the previous record-holder, Jeff Koons’s “Balloon Dog (Orange)” from 2013. Orange sold for USD 58,405,000.

Triumphal Return to the UK: A Homecoming Celebration

After his Californian escapade, Hockney made a triumphant return to the UK. The graphic novel beautifully captures the emotions of this homecoming and explores how Hockney’s art resonated with a new audience while maintaining its universal appeal. During this time, Hockney’s artwork continued to evolve, solidifying his position as a prominent artist on the global stage.

The iPad Drawings: A Digital Revolution

David Hockney’s journey into the world of digital art commenced in 2009 when he acquired his inaugural iPhone. His daily routine then revolved around creating floral doodles, a practice that originated with his partner leaving these delightful drawings on his bedside table. These digitized bouquets were swiftly dispatched to their closest companions via email. Notably, this technological leap marked another chapter in the pop artist’s ongoing fascination with cutting-edge innovations, building upon his previous forays into fax machines, Polaroid film, and Photoshop.

Equipped with a portable device and stylus, Hockney found newfound convenience in his artistic endeavors. Gone were the days of lugging around cumbersome materials; instead, he embraced the freedom of working outdoors. This shift in approach allowed him to seamlessly document the ever-changing seasons surrounding his residence in picturesque East Yorkshire, England. Beyond this locale, Hockney embarked on two notable journeys to Yosemite National Park in California, carrying only his trusty tablet.

With the Brushes app as his chosen medium, Hockney meticulously crafted the Yosemite Suite, a collection that encapsulates the natural wonders of the park with unparalleled precision and vibrant Technicolor strokes. These digital masterpieces have graced the walls of renowned institutions such as the Tate in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

In a testament to Hockney’s adaptability and creativity, Hockney: A Graphic Life showcases his embrace of technology through his iPad drawings. These captivating digital artworks not only amazed the art world but also emphasized Hockney’s belief in the eternal renewal of nature and art. Additionally, the novel pays homage to Hockney’s iPad drawings, further enhancing the reader’s understanding of this innovative phase in his life.

Simon Elliott’s Tribute: A Twist in the Tale

Simon Elliott, a criminal barrister turned art obsessive and stand-up comedian, embarks on a heartfelt tribute to Hockney in Hockney: A Graphic Life. The graphic novel takes a fascinating turn as it explores how Simon learned to paint on an iPad and, driven by Hockney’s message of resilience, weaves together a biography that is as joyous as it is thought-provoking.

Hockney: A Graphic Life is an artistic marvel that celebrates the life and times of David Hockney. The graphic novel transcends traditional biographies, engaging readers with its captivating visuals and storytelling prowess. It is a tribute to the power of art, human resilience, and the pursuit of creative excellence.

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