David Hockney : The Arrival of Spring at the Royal Academy of Arts, London

Exhibition of Hockney's iPad illustrations of Spring in Normandy, 2020 finally opens on May 23rd in London.

David Hockney spent spring 2020 at his home in Normandy during lockdown, charting the unfolding and progression of spring during the period which coincided with progression of Covid 19 pandemic. Hockney chose to focus on nature because he loves life and is fascinated by the passing of time.

17 Avril 2021 - 13:30

David Hockney, No.88, 3rd March 2020, iPad painting © David Hockney

The unfolding of the show

The unusual way David Hockney portrayed spring on his iPad with over 100 large prints will unfold first at the main galleries of the RCA until August 1 and subsequently be shown at the three Gabrielle Jungels-Winkel galleries until September 26, 2021. The show is curated by Edith Devaney of the Royal Academy in close cooperation with the artist.

David Hockney, No.118, 16th March 2020, iPad painting © David Hockney

Hockney was inspired by the ease he could use the modified iPad

The painter born in Bradford in 1937, attended Bradford School of Art before studying at the Royal College of Art (1957-1962). Hockney’s reputation was established very early in 1960 when he was included in the Young Contemporaries exhibition in London marking the beginning of British Pop Art. After visiting Los Angeles in 1964, he decided to settle down there in 1979 and returned later to the United Kingdom where he spent time in Yorkshire between 2003 and 2013.

During his stay in Normandy Hockney was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry’s graphic and narrative form as Bayeux is located near his home in Normandy. A mathematician had updated the brushes app on the latest model of iPad to Hockney’s specifications, enabling the artist to capture his subjects rapidly.

David Hockney, No. 125, 19th March 2020, iPad drawing © David Hockney

David Hockney’s declaration in July 2020

The artist declared that he had been working to depict the arrival of spring in Normandy which takes about three months and that during the lockdown he and his companion were in a house in the middle of a very large field full of fruit trees. Hockney was able to concentrate on at least one drawing a day observing and charting the changes around the house in the trees.

David Hockney, No. 259, 24th April 2020, iPad painting © David Hockney

The Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded by King George III in 1768. It is an independent charity which does not receive revenue funding from the government and relies on the support of its visitors, donors, sponsors, patrons and loyal friends.

The RCA is situated in Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J OBD.
Admission begins from £17 with concessions available.
Advance booking is essential for everyone as everybody must have a pre-booked timed ticket.
Tickets can be booked in advance online at www.royalacademy.org.uk or by phone +44 207 300 8090.