The exhibition “In The Mood For Love: Hockney in London, 1960-1963” opens on 21 May at Hazlitt Holland Hibbert, showcasing David Hockney’s early works from his time at the Royal College of Art. Curated by Louis Kasmin, the show highlights themes of love and personal relationships while offering insights into Hockney’s experimental style of the 1960s. Contributions from experts, including art historians and family connections, enrich the exhibition’s narrative.
David Hockney, widely recognised for iconic works like “The Splash” and “Portrait of an Artist”, also explored a distinct style in the early 1960s. The upcoming exhibition, “In The Mood For Love: Hockney in London, 1960-1963”, opening on 21 May at Hazlitt Holland Hibbert in London, showcases artworks created during Hockney’s time at the Royal College of Art, reflecting his experimentation with aesthetics.
Curator Louis Kasmin identifies two primary themes in the exhibition: the bold “Love” paintings, rich with graffiti-like expressions and energetic motifs, and a shift towards figurative representations of significant individuals in Hockney’s life. Kasmin aims to highlight the lesser-exposed aspects of Hockney’s development, showcasing the raw energy present in these early works.
The exhibition is a culmination of contributions from various experts, including Kasmin, whose grandfather, gallerist John Kasmin, represented Hockney for decades. With detailed records, Kasmin’s grandfather aided him in sourcing rare works for the exhibition, many of which have been private for years. Art historian Marco Livingstone assisted in verifying the provenance of specific paintings, such as “Composition (Thrust)”, originally dated 1962 but re-assessed to 1960, reflecting Hockney’s themes of sexuality and affection.
The painting “Composition (Thrust)” illustrates Hockney’s exploration of personal themes, using bold brushwork and candid phrases, while later works like “The Cha Cha that was Danced in the Early Hours of 24th March 1961” feature a softer approach emphasising romantic sentiments. Kasmin muses on the diverse meanings of love represented in Hockney’s early works, highlighting both physicality and intimacy.
Kasmin emphasises the subjective nature of interpreting these abstract pieces, encouraging visitors to form their impressions. He believes the exhibition will provide a unique perspective on Hockney as an artist, showcasing his unrefined creativity and imaginative spirit during this formative period of his career.
The upcoming exhibition “In The Mood For Love: Hockney in London, 1960-1963” at Hazlitt Holland Hibbert will offer a fresh perspective on David Hockney’s early works, highlighting a significant yet often overlooked phase of his career. Through themes of love and personal reflection, the exhibition aims to showcase the raw creativity and energy present in Hockney’s formative years. Curated with insights from art historians and family legacy, visitors can expect to engage with Hockney’s artistic evolution during this vital period.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com