David Hockney Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery

Ah, autumn in London. The days get shorter and wetter. Having started to become depressed by the changing seasons and the inability to do anything outdoors, I headed over to the National Portrait Gallery to catch the “David Hockney Portraits” exhibition. I figured with his bright colors and Los Angeles influence, this was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits out of the seasonal doldrums. While I was expecting swimming pools and palm trees, much to my (pleasant) surprise, I found something so much deeper and intimate.

This is the first retrospective of Hockney’s work devoted solely to portraiture. The artwork was selected in collaboration with the artist, and features works executed in all media throughout his career. The show explores the artist’s relationships with friends, family, and people he admires. His deep understanding of the human condition and insight into his subjects’ lives is translated expertly onto the canvas. In some works, the viewer feels as if they are witnessing or even intruding on a private moment. This is especially evident in the many drawings of his closest friends and family. Even as his style evolves and he begins to experiment with new media such as photocollage, this theme remains constant throughout the exhibition. Ultimately, this collection offers an intimate access into the artist’s life through his works. There are too many noteworthy pieces to discuss, however, be sure to keep a look out for “Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Percy” and a small drawing of a fictional meeting between Hockney and Picasso entitled “Artist and Model”.

Even if a show dedicated to portraiture doesn’t sound like you cup of tea, escape from the rain and head over to the NPG – this is not to be missed. Check out “David Hockney Portraits” at the National Portrait Gallery until 21 January 2007.