David Hockney: Current

12 January 2017

A showcase of over 1,000 recent works by David Hockney, one of Britain’s greatest living contemporary artists, at the National Gallery of Victoria is currently receiving rave reviews.

Rather than a retrospective, the NGV’s exhibition ‘David Hockney: Current’ is just that, proving that the octogenarian artist is still as relevant as ever. Featuring pioneering iPad paintings, prolific portraits and immersive video installations, the exhibition has been jointly curated between the NGV and Hockney himself, who was reported to still be adding to the body of work until only a few weeks before the exhibition opened.

In a recent interview, Tony Ellwood, Director of NGV, emphasised that it is a privilege to collaborate with Hockney, one of the world’s most celebrated and truly innovative artists.

“His recent use of cutting-edge technology… provide[s] an immersive experience for visitors and reveal the mastery and skill behind his ever-evolving practice.”

The exhibition features dynamic new works and highlights from the past decade. Never before has Hockney demystified his creative process more than with his digital paintings displayed on iPhones and large banks of screens where visitors can watch the works come to life in real-time with the playback of every brushstroke.

Another major highlight is 82 Portraits and 1 Still Life, which has its own dedicated room. Each of the portraits were finished in just three days and the subjects, who all sat in the same chair, include celebrity friends like Barry Humphries alongside office staff, curators and family.

David Hockney: Current is at NGV International until March 13.

Freddy Grant is an arts professional and writer based in Melbourne. He is the PR & Communications Manager for bluethumb, Australia’s largest art marketplace, connecting collectors, art lovers and interior designers with an unprecedented community of emerging and established local artists.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Installation view of David Hockney: Current at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. © David Hockney Inc.

HERO IMAGE CREDIT:

David Hockney inside the world-premiere exhibition David Hockney: Current at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Photo: Wayne Taylor