News Summary
The Grand Rapids Art Museum now hosts the ‘David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed’ exhibition, showcasing 145 works from the artist’s six-decade printmaking career. Featuring self-portraits and thematic organization, the exhibit highlights Hockney’s evolution and personal connections, offering a glimpse into his innovative print techniques. The exhibition runs until November 2025, celebrating Hockney’s artistic journey and contributions to contemporary art.
Grand Rapids
The David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed exhibition has officially opened at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, featuring a remarkable collection of 145 works spanning the British artist’s extensive six-decade career in printmaking. This exhibit promises to provide audiences with a comprehensive overview of Hockney’s lifelong exploration of prints and multiples, sourced from the expansive collection of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are two self-portraits that serve as anchor pieces at the entrance. The first is a 1954 lithograph showcasing a young Hockney, while the second, a 2012 iPad drawing, depicts the artist fifty-eight years later. These contrasting self-portraits set the tone for an intimate look into Hockney’s evolution as an artist.
The exhibition is designed to be intuitive in its layout, favoring a thematic organization over a strict chronological order. It emphasizes recurring subjects and themes that have captivated Hockney throughout his career, including his relationships with close friends and family members, as well as the environments and objects that surround him daily.
Exploration of Techniques and Themes
One of the key aspects of the exhibition is how it examines Hockney’s innovations with print and photographic technologies over the years. A notable piece, “In the Studio, December 2017,” is showcased against a vibrant sun-gold wall, prompting viewers to consider the ways in which we perceive pictures. This thoughtful organization of artwork is bolstered by the expert curation of Jennifer Wcisel, who strategically employed wall colors to enhance the visibility and impact of each piece.
The exhibit also features a rare assemblage from 1982 titled “My Mother, Los Angeles, Dec. 82,” consisting of collaged snapshots of Hockney’s mother, offering a poignant glimpse into his personal life. Another prominent piece is titled “August 2021, Landscape with Shadows,” which consists of twelve iPad drawings, showcasing Hockney’s prowess in adapting to evolving technologies.
Life and Companionship in Art
A significant gallery within the exhibit concentrates on life-size iPad self-portraits that reflect Hockney’s intimate relationships with family and friends. In addition, Hockney pays tribute to his beloved dachshunds, Stanley and Boodgie, in prints that emphasize their companionship during the AIDS epidemic, infusing his work with layers of personal meaning.
The vibrant colors and energetic gestures evident in Hockney’s California works convey the profound influence of the region’s light and openness on his artistic vision. The captivating atmosphere of the exhibit is underscored by a large photographic montage entitled “25th June 2022, Looking at Flowers,” which invites viewers to participate in the evolving composition, engaging them directly with Hockney’s creative process.
Exhibition Duration and Objectives
The David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed exhibition will be on view until November 2, 2025. It aims to celebrate Hockney’s artistic journey and reflect the optimism that permeates his work, providing a complete appreciation of his contributions to contemporary art. This exhibition promises to be a unique visual experience that draws connections between Hockney’s past and present, ultimately offering insights into the mind of one of the most celebrated artists of our time.
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Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
