The monumental exhibition "David Hockney 25," held at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris from April 9 to August 31, 2025, stands as the largest retrospective dedicated to the iconic British artist David Hockney. This expansive showcase presents over 400 works, spanning an extraordinary seven decades of Hockney’s career, from 1955 all the way to 2025.
Overview of the Exhibition
David Hockney, born in 1937 in Bradford, England, is celebrated for his vibrant use of color and innovative artistic techniques, including digital art and immersive video installations. Personally involved in the curation alongside his studio manager Jean-Pierre Gonçalves de Lima, Hockney chose to emphasize his last 25 years of work while also including some of his most iconic early masterpieces, providing viewers with a comprehensive lens into his evolving artistic universe across multiple media.
The exhibition is spread over 11 rooms within the architecturally striking Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by Frank Gehry. It features a diverse range of artworks, including:
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Oil and acrylic paintings
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Ink, pencil, and charcoal drawings
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Digital art created on iPhones and iPads
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Photographic drawings
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Immersive video installations
This broad media spectrum captures Hockney’s relentless experimentation and reinvention throughout his life.
Highlights and Themes
One of the earliest paintings displayed is Portrait of My Father (1955), marking the first painting Hockney ever sold. This modest and intimate work contrasts sharply with large vibrant pieces for which he is renowned today, illustrating his artistic evolution.
The retrospective features key iconic works such as A Bigger Splash (1967) and Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Percy (1970-71), alongside luscious landscapes from Yorkshire and Normandy. A striking theme throughout Hockney’s art is his fascination with spring—the renewal of nature symbolizing perpetual creativity and curiosity even in his later years. The exhibition’s title derives from a neon sign installed at the venue reading “Do remember they can’t cancel the spring,” a phrase from Hockney expressing resilience and optimism during challenging times.
The exhibition also highlights Hockney’s engagement with alternative perspectives, including his development of “reverse perspective” inspired by Chinese asymmetrical perspectives, a thematic thread complementing his boundary-pushing visual research.
Related Exhibition: "Hockney Origins"
Alongside "David Hockney 25" is a companion exhibition titled "Hockney/Origins: Early Works from the Roy B. and Edith J. Simpson Collection," hosted at The Met Fifth Avenue and other venues during 2025. This exhibition traces the formative years of Hockney’s artistic journey, showcasing early works that illuminate the young artist's ambitions and groundwork for his revolutionary career.
Images and Sources
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David Hockney "May Blossom on the Roman Road," 2009, oil on 8 canvases (Photo Credit: Richard Schmidt)
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Installation views at Fondation Louis Vuitton (Photo Credit: Fondation Louis Vuitton / Marc Domage)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When and where is the "David Hockney 25" exhibition held?
A1: It runs from April 9 to August 31, 2025, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
Q2: What is the focus of the exhibition?
A2: The exhibition showcases over 400 works, focusing particularly on Hockney’s past 25 years while including early iconic masterpieces, spanning seven decades and multiple media.
Q3: What types of artworks are included?
A3: The show includes paintings, drawings, digital art, photographic works, and immersive video installations.
Q4: What is the significance of the phrase “Do remember they can’t cancel the spring”?
A4: It is a hopeful message from Hockney symbolizing resilience and ongoing creativity, especially during difficult times like the pandemic.
Q5: Is there a related exhibition focused on Hockney’s early works?
A5: Yes, the "Hockney/Origins: Early Works from the Roy B. and Edith J. Simpson Collection" exhibition highlights Hockney’s formative years and early artistic development.
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