This season, the Art Institute of Chicago presents a breathtaking collection of works by influential English artist David Hockney—all created on his iPad.
David Hockney, “27th April 2020, No. 1”
When the bleakness of the pandemic sunk in, iconic British artist David Hockney craved beauty. In February 2020, the artist, best known for his major contributions to the British pop art movement of the ’60s, traveled to France’s Normandy, and for nearly five months, he scrutinized each minute change in the surrounding landscape as spring set in. Hockney spent the days depicting the scenes, en plein air, across 116 works on his iPad, using an app specifically optimized for his own use (he’s said this medium feels akin to painting).
On Aug. 20, the Art Institute of Chicago showcased the breathtaking creations for the first time in the U.S. in David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020. “[The exhibit] simultaneously celebrates and charts the transformation of the French countryside,” says Robyn Farrell, associate curator of modern and contemporary art. “As the only American venue for the exhibition, we are delighted to share this particular view of the world—during a historic period of time—from one of the most important British artists of the 20th century.” Through Jan. 9, 111 S. Michigan Ave.
Photography by: PHOTO © DAVID HOCKNEY/COURTESY OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
