Hockney's Pictures: The Definitive Retrospective

by Gregory Evans

The story of David Hockney, one of the most widely acclaimed of all living artists, is one of passion: passion for seeing, passion for telling, passion for images. But to these should be added the passion for life. Hockney's art is a celebration of what it is to be alive. All of his pictures-sometimes tender, as when he draws close friends and family; sometimes playful, as in his paintings of lazy, carefree days at the pool; sometimes awe-inspiring, as with his monumental images of the Grand Canyon-convey what it means to be in the world, to see it, to move in it, to love it. This constant exploration of how to communicate such feelings through his work emerges with particular clarity in this stunning, lively volume, which charts almost fifty years of extraordinary creativity. Hockney's Pictures is the first definitive "retrospective" to show the evolution and diversity of Hockney's prolific paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, and photography, including new and published works. The pieces, presented thematically, are selected and organized by David Hockney himself, and track Hockney's lifelong experiments in ways of looking and depicting. With 325 illustrations, accompanied by extensive quotes from the artist himself that illuminate the passionate thinking behind the work, Hockney's Pictures is destined to become a classic. David Hockney is Britain's most celebrated living artist and one of the most popular artists working today. His pieces are in the permanent collections of major museums internationally, and his book Secret Knowledge was one of the bestselling art books of 2001.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Art History, Visual Art

368 pages, Hardcover

First published November 17, 2004

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Although I had seen several paintings here and there I'd never spent much time looking at them in any detail. This book has 325 images (up to the year 2004), and minimal but adequate text from the artist.

[rebeca ravara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LITERALLY HAVE A NEW OBSESSION I LOVE THIS MAN SO MUCH HOLY HECK
FAVORITES INCLUDE:
- garrowby hill (1998)
- shoes, kyoto, feb. 1983 (1983)
- kyoto (1971)
- Mulholland drive, june 1986 (1986)
- contre-jour in the french style (1974)
- kasmin (1998)
- boodgie (1993) AND stanley (1993)
- the room, manchester street (detail) (1967)
- two boys, aged 23 or 24 (1966-7)

so so beautiful :,)

[Maarten Buser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mooi, dik boek, maar wat mij betreft had er veel meer tekst in gestaan; een aantal essays, een interview, zulke dingen. De opgenomen korte citaten uit - naar ik aanneem - interviews werken wel heel goed.

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous reproductions and interesting noted directly from the artist- inspiring!

[Moushumi Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing look at the paintings and philosophy of David Hockney. An amazing read. Read if you like art and the philosophy of art.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that acts both as biography and a collection of Hockney's work. Far from being just the "pool paintings" guy, this shows how he has experimented and pushed the envelope in every area of paintings and pictures, uses almost every surface and type of equipment possible, always on the cutting edge, and always looking for new ways to show the world that he so clearly loves.

[Olivia Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always loved David Hockney. Especially when he paints water or swimming pools. It would be so cool to own a Hockney, like that will ever happen though lol. It was fun learning more about his style and how his mind works. He’s also a gay icon ✨

[Digi M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gem. Found it for 810 yen, and spent the next two days looking over each painting and often it’s accompanying description by Hockney.

By reading these descriptions, I was able to really appreciate what looked like more simple pieces.

It’s a great book. What a master.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ik wil dit boek voor eeuwig houden maar op een gegeven moment moet het terug naar de bieb. Sad.

[maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book with beautiful art. I love looking at this for painting inspiration. It’s perfect for experimenting different mediums.

[Koulma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A regarder et reregarder

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thematically arranged survey of Hockney works, to about 2003, interspersed with brief remarks by the artist commenting on the thought and technique behind different pieces and approaches. Very simple & well- produced. Probably requires a certain prior knowledge of the chronology of DH's output, but is in many ways preferable to a more detailed textual exegesis when the pictures themselves are so eloquent.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Hockney book ever.