A new exhibition titled “In The Mood For Love: Hockney in London, 1960-1963” opens at Hazlitt Holland Hibbert on 21 May. It showcases David Hockney’s earlier works created during his time at the Royal College of Art when he experimented with various artistic styles.

Curator Louis Kasmin highlights two significant themes of the show: the provocative “Love” paintings featuring bold graffiti elements and a more figurative approach that depicts key figures in Hockney’s life. This exhibition aims to unveil often-overlooked aspects of Hockney’s development, showcasing his raw energy and early influence in the art world.

The exhibition benefited from the expertise of various contributors, including Kasmin’s grandfather, John Kasmin, who represented Hockney for decades and sold many exhibited pieces. His records helped track down rare works for the show. Art historian Marco Livingstone assisted in confirming the correct dating of Hockney’s painting, “Composition (Thrust),” which reflects themes of sexuality and affection in the early 1960s.

Kasmin notes the contrast between early and later works, such as the more abstract “Composition (Thrust)” and the softer style of “The Cha Cha that was Danced in the Early Hours of 24th March 1961.” The juxtaposition illustrates Hockney’s exploration of love’s physicality and intimacy, capturing complex emotional meanings.

While interpretations of Hockney’s abstract works may vary, the exhibition hopes to enhance visitors’ appreciation of his artistry. Kasmin states they want attendees to leave with a refreshed perspective on Hockney as an unfiltered and imaginative artist.

The exhibition “In The Mood For Love: Hockney in London, 1960-1963” presents a unique opportunity to view David Hockney’s early explorative artworks, offering insights into his development as an artist. Curator Louis Kasmin emphasizes the show’s raw energy and emotional complexity while fostering a deeper understanding of Hockney’s early themes of love and sexuality.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

The post Exploring Love in David Hockney’s Early Works at New London Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.

David Hockney’s early years in London between 1960 and 1963 were marked by rich creativity and personal discovery, showcased in the new exhibition ‘In the Mood for Love: Hockney in London, 1960–1963’. This exhibition features a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, and prints that have largely remained unseen since the 1960s, highlighting Hockney’s pivotal time at the Royal College of Art and subsequent development as an artist.

Upon arriving in London in 1959, Hockney was inspired by modernist movements, drawing influence from artists like Picasso and Pollock. The exhibition highlights Hockney’s evolution, starting with his Love series, where works such as ‘The First Love Painting’ and ‘Love Painting – Shame’ demonstrate his emerging confidence and experimentation with abstraction.

As his artistic style matured, so did his thematic focus, drawing from literary influences such as Greek poet Cavafy and Walt Whitman. His personal relationships became central to his art, with pieces like ‘The Cha Cha that was Danced in the Early Hours of 24 March 1961’ capturing significant individuals in his life, including early crushes and close friends.

The work ‘Two Friends [in a Cul de Sac]’ challenges societal norms of the time by exploring Hockney’s sexuality, reflecting his commitment to authenticity and the bohemian lifestyle of 1960s London. This exhibition captures the essence of his relationships and artistic bravado during a transformative period.

Curated by Louis Kasmin and accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, the exhibition features an essay from art historian Marco Livingstone. This collection provides insights into Hockney’s journey during these formative years.

‘In the Mood for Love’ serves as a vibrant tribute to Hockney’s early genius, portraying his navigation through love, identity, and creativity amidst the bustling cultural landscape of London. This exhibition is a must-visit for fans of Hockney’s lasting legacy, inviting audiences into his artistic evolution.

The exhibition ‘In the Mood for Love: Hockney in London, 1960–1963’ provides an insightful retrospective of David Hockney’s early work, capturing his creative journey through influential relationships and artistic explorations. With significant pieces from this era on display, it highlights his personal and professional development during a pivotal time. Curator Louis Kasmin’s direction and accompanying essays enrich the experience, making it essential viewing for enthusiasts of Hockney’s art.

Original Source: artlyst.com

The post Exploring David Hockney’s Early Years: In the Mood for Love Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.

David Hockney’s upcoming exhibition, \”In The Mood For Love: Hockney in London, 1960-1963,\” will showcase lesser-known early works at Hazlitt Holland Hibbert in London starting on 21 May. Curator Louis Kasmin emphasizes two main themes: energetic \”Love\” paintings featuring bold, graffiti-like expressions and more figurative pieces reflecting Hockney’s relationships. This exhibition aims to highlight Hockney’s artistic evolution during his time at the Royal College of Art (RCA).

Kasmin notes the unique challenge of curating this show, as many works have remained in private collections since the 1960s, thanks to meticulous records kept by his grandfather, a gallerist who represented Hockney. His collaboration with art historian Marco Livingstone led to important discoveries regarding the provenance of significant pieces, including the painting \”Composition (Thrust).\” This painting was initially misdated and later confirmed to be from 1960, aligning it with Hockney’s exploration of themes of love and sexuality.

The exhibition will juxtapose various approaches in Hockney’s work, demonstrating his shift from abstract expressions to more visible feelings, illustrated by works like \”The Cha Cha that was Danced in the Early Hours of 24th March 1961.\” Kasmin reflects on the myriad interpretations of love in Hockney’s art, revealing both physical and emotional dimensions.

Ultimately, the exhibition aims to change perceptions of Hockney as an artist by presenting his raw, imaginative earlier works. Kasmin encourages visitors to embrace the quirks and nuances of Hockney’s early style, highlighting the importance of exploring these previously hidden gems of his creative journey.

The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to view early, experimental works by David Hockney that reflect his exploration of love and sexuality. By focusing on lesser-known pieces, the show offers insights into Hockney’s development as an artist and invites visitors to appreciate the energy and creativity of his formative years.

Original Source: theartnewspaper.com

The post Exploring Love in David Hockney’s Early Works at London Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.

David Hockney’s early works will be showcased in the exhibition “In The Mood For Love: Hockney in London, 1960-1963,” opening on 21 May at Hazlitt Holland Hibbert. This exhibition highlights Hockney’s experiments in style during his time at the Royal College of Art. Curator Louis Kasmin notes two main themes in the exhibition: the energetic “Love” paintings and a transition towards a more figurative representation of significant individuals in Hockney’s life.

Kasmin emphasizes the importance of these earlier works, which are often overlooked. He describes them as raw and full of energy, showcasing Hockney’s burgeoning reputation even at that time. The exhibition has involved multi-generational expertise, including insights from Kasmin’s grandfather, John Kasmin, who represented Hockney from the 1960s.

Art historian Marco Livingstone also contributed by identifying a key painting, “Composition (Thrust),” which was originally dated 1962 but was re-evaluated to 1960. This shift was confirmed through collaboration with the David Hockney Foundation, further enriching the exhibition’s narrative. The re-dating reveals Hockney’s exploration of sexuality and affection in a period when homosexuality was not yet legal in England.

Kasmin suggests that Hockney’s works from this era explore physicality in love and intimacy. For instance, the work titled “The Cha Cha that was Danced in the Early Hours of 24th March 1961” reflects a softer approach, showcasing Hockney’s romantic feelings. Kasmin explains that defining these early works is challenging, but the hope is that attendees will gain a new perspective on Hockney’s artistry. By presenting diverse and intriguing pieces, the exhibition aims to reveal Hockney’s unfiltered creativity and imaginative spirit.

The upcoming exhibition at Hazlitt Holland Hibbert promises to illuminate David Hockney’s formative years as an artist. By showcasing early works that delve into themes of love and identity, the exhibition provides fresh insights into Hockney’s evolution. Curator Louis Kasmin hopes that visitors will appreciate the raw energy of these rarely seen pieces, thereby enhancing their understanding of Hockney’s artistic journey.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

The post Exploring Early Love Themes in David Hockney’s Art at London Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.

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

The post London Exhibition to Showcase David Hockney’s Early Works on Love first appeared on The London Bell.

A new exhibition titled “In The Mood For Love: Hockney in London, 1960-1963” opens at Hazlitt Holland Hibbert in London on 21 May. It features David Hockney’s early works created during his time at the Royal College of Art (RCA), highlighting his experimentation with styles distinct from his later famous pieces.

Curator Louis Kasmin outlines two main themes of the exhibition: the energetic, graffiti-like “Love” paintings featuring bold expressions of sexuality, and a shift towards a more figurative representation of important figures in Hockney’s life.

Kasmin emphasizes the importance of showcasing these lesser-seen works, noting that they are vibrant and raw, reflecting Hockney’s emerging status as an influential artist during his time at RCA. This exhibition aims to change perceptions of Hockney’s early career.

The exhibition was shaped by cross-generational collaboration, with insights from Marco Livingstone, an art historian familiar with Hockney’s early artistry. He assisted in establishing the proper provenance of certain works, including an important abstract piece that was originally misdated.

One of the notable artworks, “Composition (Thrust)”, explores themes of sexuality and affection, showcasing Hockney’s emotional journey before the partial legalisation of homosexuality in the UK. It contrasts with a later work where the emotional tone softens.

Kasmin acknowledges the complexity of interpreting Hockney’s abstract works, encouraging viewers to appreciate the uniqueness of these paintings rather than seeking definitive meanings. He aims for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Hockney as an artist during this pioneering period of his career.

The exhibition provides a rare glimpse into David Hockney’s formative years, highlighting his artistic evolution and the underlying themes of love and sexuality. Through lesser-known works, the show aims to redefine Hockney’s artistic identity, offering insights into his raw creative energy and imaginative style during the early 1960s.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

The post Exploring Early Hockney: Unfiltered Creativity at London Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.