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Spring Cannot Be Cancelled: David Hockney in Normandy

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Spring Cannot Be Cancelled: David Hockney in Normandy

by Martin Gayford

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	178526 KB
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Print length	:	257 pages

David Hockney Painting In Normandy Spring Cannot Be Cancelled: David Hockney In Normandy

David Hockney's "Spring Cannot Be Cancelled" exhibition at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris is a triumph of color, light, and nature. The exhibition showcases over 100 of Hockney's recent works, created during the COVID-19 pandemic while the artist was isolated in his home in Normandy, France. Inspired by the beauty of the Normandy countryside, Hockney's paintings capture the changing seasons, the arrival of spring, and the enduring power of nature.

Hockney's Normandy Landscapes

Hockney's Normandy landscapes are a departure from his earlier works, which often depicted urban scenes and portraiture. In Normandy, Hockney found inspiration in the rolling hills, vibrant fields, and lush gardens that surround his home. His paintings are characterized by their vibrant colors, loose brushstrokes, and immersive compositions that draw the viewer into the landscape.

One of the most striking features of Hockney's Normandy paintings is their sense of scale. Many of the works are large-scale, filling the walls of the Musée de l'Orangerie. This scale allows Hockney to fully capture the grandeur of the landscape and to create a truly immersive experience for the viewer. The paintings are often hung in groups, creating a panoramic view of the Normandy countryside.

The iPhone as a Painting Tool

Hockney has long been an advocate for using new technologies in art. In recent years, he has embraced the iPhone as a painting tool. Many of the works in "Spring Cannot Be Cancelled" were created using the iPhone's camera and drawing app. Hockney's use of the iPhone allows him to capture the spontaneity and immediacy of the landscape. The resulting paintings have a loose, gestural quality that is reminiscent of traditional brushwork.

The Power of Nature

Throughout his career, Hockney has been fascinated by the power of nature. In "Spring Cannot Be Cancelled," this fascination is evident in the artist's depiction of the changing seasons. The paintings capture the beauty of spring, with its vibrant colors and blooming flowers. They also explore the more somber tones of winter and the promise of renewal that comes with the arrival of spring.

Hockney's paintings are not simply landscapes. They are also meditations on the human condition. The artist's use of vibrant colors and immersive compositions invites the viewer to reflect on the beauty of the natural world and our place within it. "Spring Cannot Be Cancelled" is a timely reminder of the enduring power of nature and the importance of embracing the beauty of the present moment.

David Hockney's "Spring Cannot Be Cancelled" is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in contemporary art, landscape painting, or the work of David Hockney. The exhibition is a celebration of the beauty of nature and the power of art to capture the essence of the world around us.

Spring Cannot Be Cancelled: David Hockney in Normandy

by Martin Gayford

4.7 out of 5