DAVID HOCKNEY AT THE FONDATION LOUIS VUITTON

The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris is currently hosting “David Hockney 25,” the most comprehensive exhibition of the British artist’s career to date. Running from April 9 to August 31, 2025, this expansive retrospective spans seven decades of Hockney’s work, showcasing over 400 pieces that trace his artistic evolution from the 1950s to the present day.

Curated by Suzanne Pagé, Sir Norman Rosenthal, and François Michaud, with significant input from Hockney himself, the exhibition occupies all eleven galleries of the Fondation. It presents a diverse array of media, including oil and acrylic paintings, drawings in ink, pencil, and charcoal, digital art created on iPhones and iPads, photographic drawings, and immersive video installations. This variety underscores Hockney’s relentless exploration of new technologies and formats throughout his career.

The exhibition begins with Hockney’s early works from the 1950s to the 1970s, featuring iconic pieces like “A Bigger Splash” (1967) and “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)” (1972), which reflect his fascination with Californian light and lifestyle. It then transitions to his expansive landscapes of the 1980s and 1990s, such as “A Bigger Grand Canyon” (1998), capturing the grandeur of natural spaces. The core of the exhibition focuses on the last 25 years, highlighting his time in Yorkshire, Normandy, and London. Notable works from this period include “May Blossom on the Roman Road” (2009) and the “220 for 2020” series, created entirely on iPad, demonstrating his innovative use of digital media.

A standout feature is the immersive opera set design installation, reflecting Hockney’s long-standing interest in stage design. The exhibition culminates with his most recent works, including pieces inspired by Edvard Munch and William Blake, as well as his latest self-portrait, offering a poignant reflection on his artistic journey.

“David Hockney 25” not only celebrates the artist’s prolific output but also his enduring commitment to capturing the world around him with joy and curiosity. As Hockney himself remarked, “This exhibition means an enormous amount because it is the largest exhibition I’ve ever had – 11 rooms in the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Some of the very last paintings I’m working on now will be included in it, and I think it’s going to be very good.”

DAVID HOCKNEY 25
FONDATION LOUIS VUITTON
PARIS, FRANCE
Through 31 August 2025
https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/

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