I’m fascinated by the idea that something can happen to an artist that then gives all the succeeding work a markedly different quality. According to DH this happened in 1979. From then on, the paintings and prints register much more powerfully from a distance. He can’t or won’t explain why, it just happened. My reading is that this new graphic quality came out of working on his opera stage designs.
We start with Hockney’s portrait of Peter Schlesinger with Polaroid Camera from 1977, made six years after the end of their relationship. In 1979 the something that happened to space in David’s head first became apparent in the portrait of Divine, the flamboyant transvestite star of John Waters’s underground film classics.
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This video is an outtake from David Hockney: A Bigger Picture, an award-winning documentary by filmmaker Bruno Wollheim.
Watch the full film here: vimeo.com/onde...
Filmed over three years with unprecedented access, A Bigger Picture captures Britain’s most beloved painter at work. David Hockney’s return from California to paint the East Yorkshire landscape of his childhood - outside, in all weathers, through the seasons - culminates in the largest picture ever made outdoors. It’s an inspiring story of a painter in creative dialogue with nature and photography, and a revealing portrait of Britain’s most popular and celebrated artist.
“This wonderful film … will be of lasting importance for future generations who want to understand Hockney’s art.” Saturday Review, BBC Radio 4
“Bruno Wollheim’s portrait of this forthright magus is an unqualified, life-enhancing joy from start to finish.” - The Sunday Times
“This film may well be the best anyone will ever make about Hockney’s process.” - The Times, London.
“As gently hypnotic and fulfilling as one of Hockney’s own works.” - Time Out
“This impressive documentary is almost cinematic in its scope… both majestic and intimate” - The Observer
Watch the full documentary here: vimeo.com/2248...
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