Dear Shaded Viewers,
The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris has unveiled David Hockney 25, the largest retrospective ever dedicated to one of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Running from April 9 to August 31, 2025, this exhibition spans seven decades of Hockney’s prolific career, showcasing over 400 works across the museum’s eleven galleries. It is not merely a display of art but a transformative experience, shaped by Hockney’s personal involvement in every detail.
Hockney’s oeuvre is as diverse as it is expansive. The exhibition includes iconic early works such as A Bigger Splash (1967) and Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) (1972), alongside his celebrated landscapes from Yorkshire and Normandy, and recent digital creations made on iPads. His exploration of media—from oil and acrylic paintings to immersive video installations—underscores his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his artistic vision.
The retrospective also highlights Hockney’s more recent works, including pieces influenced by Edvard Munch and William Blake, such as After Blake: Less is Known than People Think (2024). These enigmatic creations delve into themes of spirituality and self-reflection, offering visitors a glimpse into the artist’s evolving perspective as he approaches the later stages of his life. Please watch the link for the teaser https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/
What sets this exhibition apart is Hockney’s hands-on involvement. Collaborating closely with curators Suzanne Pagé and Norman Rosenthal, as well as his studio team, Hockney meticulously curated each sequence and gallery layout. He even selected the vibrant colors for the walls, ensuring that every detail resonates with his artistic vision. This level of engagement allows visitors to experience not just the art but also the mind behind it.
Hockney’s personal connection to the Fondation Louis Vuitton is evident in his playful neon script adorning the building’s exterior: “Do remember they can’t cancel the spring.” This sentiment encapsulates the exhibition’s celebratory tone—a joyful embrace of life and creativity.
Throughout his career, Hockney has championed freedom—both in his personal life and artistic expression. From his unapologetic depictions of queer desire in early works to his bold embrace of new technologies like iPads, he has consistently defied conventions. This spirit permeates the exhibition, which celebrates not only his mastery of traditional forms but also his innovative use of digital media.
My favorite of all the galleries was the last one which features immersive installations inspired by Hockney’s passion for opera, blending music and visual art in a polyphonic creation. Another showcases landscapes that transform mundane scenes into radiant spectacles through vibrant colors and dynamic compositions.
The exhibition is a sensory delight. Monumental works like Bigger Trees near Warter (2007) exude grandeur, while smaller pieces capture intimate moments with striking precision. Visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and emotions that reaffirm Hockney’s status as an inventor of sensations rather than forms.
The retrospective challenges perceptions of Hockney as merely escapist, unveiling a complex figure whose work often grapples with melancholy and existential yearning.
At 87 years old, Hockney remains a vital force in contemporary art. Despite health challenges, he continues to create with vigor, viewing this retrospective as both a celebration and a summation of his life’s work. This exhibition holds a great significance for Hockney as it is not only a testament to his artistic achievements but also an invitation for viewers to find joy in his creations.
With its unparalleled scale and depth, David Hockney 25 at the Fondation Louis Vuitton offers an extraordinary journey through one man’s artistic universe—a universe that is as vast and varied as life itself. For anyone seeking inspiration or simply an escape into beauty, this exhibition is unmissable.
Later,
Diane
