Titled Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), the exhibition will be held from January 25 to April 23, 2023. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Hockney’s works through large-scale digital projections, archival interviews, and animations.
The exhibition will showcase some of Hockney’s most famous works, including A Bigger Grand Canyon, Gregory Swimming Los Angeles March 31st, 1982, and The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire in 2011. Visitors will also get to see some of Hockney’s rarely seen pieces and newly created works, giving them a glimpse into the artist’s creative process.
Curated by London-based design and production company 59 Productions, the show took three years to bring to life. The exhibition is split into six themed chapters, each taking the audience on a “personal journey” through Hockney’s art. The exhibition explores Hockney’s fascination with new media forms, including digital works created on iPads and full-scale opera sets.
To make the experience even more immersive, 59 Productions brought in revered American composer Nico Muhly to create a special score that includes snippets of commentary from the artist himself. Visitors will hear Hockney’s voice as they are surrounded by the breathtaking digital projections of his paintings.
The Vision Behind the Exhibition
Hockney, a pioneering artist and key figure in the British Pop Art movement of the 1960s, has always been fascinated by the beauty of the world around us. As part of the soundtrack, visitors will hear him say, “The world is very very beautiful if you look at it, but most people don’t look very much.”
The exhibition aims to encourage visitors to see the world through Hockney’s eyes, to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and to look at things with intensity. Through the use of digital technology, the exhibition brings Hockney’s art to life, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The Lightroom: A New Venue for Immersive Experiences
The Lightroom is a newly opened four-story venue in the heart of Kings Cross, London. The space was designed specifically for immersive experiences, and the Hockney exhibition is the first major show to be held at the venue.
The Lightroom is a collaboration between the property development company Argent and the arts organisation The Space. The venue is equipped with the latest digital technology, including projection mapping, motion tracking, and immersive sound.
According to the executive producer at 59 Productions, Nicholas Hytner, the Lightroom provides the perfect setting for the Hockney exhibition. “What’s so exciting about this show is how authentically Hockney it is,” he says. “Listening to his voice in this astonishing new space while seeing his artworks unfurl around the four walls is going to be both an experience and an education.”
Hockney’s Style and Techniques
Hockney is known for his unique style, which incorporates vibrant colors and simplified forms. His paintings often feature flat, bright backgrounds with simple shapes and bold outlines. Hockney’s use of color is particularly noteworthy, as he often employs bold, contrasting colors that create a striking visual effect.
In addition to his distinctive style, Hockney is also known for his experimentation with new techniques and technologies. In the 1980s, he began using a photocopier to create works of art, and in the 1990s, he began creating digital works on an iPad.
More recently, Hockney has been experimenting with video, creating stunning digital animations that bring his paintings to life. This is a key focus of the upcoming exhibition, which will feature animated versions of some of Hockney’s most iconic works.
The Significance of the Exhibition
The Bigger & Closer exhibition is significant not just for its immersive nature and innovative use of technology, but also because it offers a rare opportunity to see some of Hockney’s rarely seen works. The exhibition will feature paintings that have never been shown in public before, as well as sketches, drawings, and other works that offer a unique glimpse into the artist’s creative process.
In addition, the exhibition is a celebration of Hockney’s enduring legacy as an artist. Over the course of his long and prolific career, Hockney has produced an incredible body of work that has had a profound impact on the art world. His influence can be seen in the work of countless other artists, and his contributions to the fields of painting, drawing, and printmaking have been widely recognised and celebrated.
The Future of Hockney’s Legacy
As Hockney approaches his 85th birthday, his legacy as an artist continues to grow. His works remain as fresh and relevant today as they were when they were first created, and his impact on the art world is undeniable.
Looking to the future, it is likely that Hockney’s legacy will only continue to grow. His use of technology and experimentation with new techniques has paved the way for a new generation of artists, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists working today.
In conclusion, David Hockney’s upcoming immersive exhibition is an exciting opportunity for art lovers and fans of Hockney’s work to experience his iconic paintings in a whole new way. The exhibition promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience, and a celebration of Hockney’s enduring legacy as an artist. As Hockney himself once said, “The world is very, very beautiful if you look at it, but most people don’t look very much.” With this exhibition, visitors will have the chance to look at Hockney’s world with a new level of intensity and appreciation.