Los Angeles is a city of possibilities, and individuals from all over the world come here to study, work and advance in their careers. For them, Los Angeles becomes a second home and a place where their aspirations come true. Actors, singers, filmmakers, screenwriters, directors, TV presenters and others are particularly fond of the megapolis. Today we will discuss the well-known English artist, graphic designer, photographer and artist, David Hockney, who relocated to Los Angeles and continued his work here. Find out more at losangeles1.one.
Childhood and education
The future artist was born in Bradford in 1937. In the same English city, Hockney graduated from art school. He then went on to study at the Royal College of Art in London. Also, David took part in the New Contemporaries exhibition. He was a part of British pop art and proved himself well. In 1962, an unpleasant occurrence happened in the educational institution. Hockney refused to complete the final test essay and instead insisted that he receive a grade on his artwork. The Royal’s College administration threatened the young artist by saying that he would not receive a diploma. David created a drawing of the diploma in protest. As a consequence, Royal’s College modified the criteria and nevertheless awarded Hockney a graduation diploma.
Visiting Los Angeles and finding fresh inspiration
David Hockney decided to travel to the state of California. This trip prompted the artist to create a series of paintings featuring a swimming pool. The paintings were created in a new style for him, using acrylic paints and bright colors.
In 1964, the artist relocated to Los Angeles for the first time. Four years later, David returned to London, then spent two years in Paris. In 1978, the artist ultimately relocated to Los Angeles.
David Hockney’s work
David Hockney is regarded as an open-minded genius because he was not afraid to examine same-sex love. He depicted this kind of relationship in his paintings. Some thought it was a bold decision and backed him up. Others, on the other hand, saw deviant motifs in these artworks.
Portraits played an important role in the artist’s work. Hockney composed these at multiple stages in his artistic career. The artist might depict the same people several times, such as parents, colleagues, fashion designers, numerous writers, friends and others.
Making photo collages is another hobby of David, which he began to do in the late 80s of the last century. The artist called them “joiners”. In general, the notion of making picture collages came about by chance. The artist noted that photographers utilized cameras with wide lenses in the 1960s. Hockney, for one, did not like these photographs. While working in Los Angeles, the artist took multiple Polaroid photos of the living room and glued them together. He didn’t set out to make a unique composition, but the end result impressed the artist. As a consequence, David designed an installation in which the spectator moves about the room. The artist started spending more time on photography since he realized something unique and innovative may emerge from it. He made mosaics out of small pieces in a way reminiscent of cubism.
There were many art exhibitions in Hockney’s life. The artist’s first solo exhibit took place in 1963. Seven years later, the first of numerous large retrospective exhibitions was held in London. David Hockney has taken part in a number of great art exhibits. His sculptures were displayed at numerous social gatherings. Hockney is also a co-founder of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.
This is the narrative of a well-known artist who began his creative career in Los Angeles. We hope that our information was useful to you and that you learned more about the amazing artist that lives in our hometown.