“Hockney and Piero: A Longer Look” - National Gallery exhibition

Earlier this week, I went to the new NG exhibition: “Hockney and Piero: A Longer Look”. 

All change going on at the NG, as they renovate and restore parts of the gallery with the Sainsbury wing being closed. (See the recent news about Lord Sainsbury’s letter buried in the pillars at the Sainsbury wing foyer).

I thought it was a wonderful sense of what makes Hockney an esteemed artist and a beautiful pean to his artistic and paternal pedigree. 

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Looking at Pictures on a Screen by Hockney

This painting is about looking at art. 

It contains direct references to Piero’s Baptism, Van Gogh, Degas and Vermeer ... I quite like the way they’re all cello-taped onto boards for viewing. 

Not sure who this contrapposto-ed man is supposed to be.

The colour and textures on the flooring, the small couch (with its criss-crossing reds and grey-blues), and its reflective crosses on the polished floor. 

A stunning sense of colour and immaculate technique. 

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The Baptism of Christ by Piero della Francesca

Piero was a giant of the Renaissance masters. He will have his own post soon.

This painting depicts Christ being baptised, and the acknowledgment (through the dove) as the son of God.

A small bucket of water poured over Christ. 

A beautiful dignified face, and the beard is so detailed.

The hillside reflected in the water, and

Christ’s robes’ edge of the lining is subtly decorated. 

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My Parents by Hockney

I love this painting. 

Hockney is a true colourist. The intensity of the colours gives the painting a rather striking force, a certain freshness.

In “My Parents”, Hockney pays tribute to his mother and father, as well as his artistic inspirations.

Piero in the mirror, and the flowers and the vaze are intensely exquisite.

The wall also has a complementary luminance.

The colours are (again) such a lovely harmony - from the carpet to the floor.

I love the way Hockney paints a glimmering light in his mother’s slippers, and 

the way her right foot tilts inwards.

A nod to “Jean Siméon Chardin” ... who was a “French painter of still lifes and domestic

scenes remarkable for their intimate realism and tranquil

atmosphere and the luminous quality of their paint”.

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Other bits and bobs

Entrance, at the NG.

Poster of the exhibition.