Vincent Van Gogh in the Art of David Hockney

Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands, and is one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. Despite his lasting fame today, Van Gogh struggled with mental illness throughout his life and was largely unappreciated as an artist until after his death. He died in France on July 29, 1890, at the age of 37, from a gunshot wound. His life was marked by bouts of psychosis and deep despair, yet it was also during these turbulent times that he created some of his most renowned works. Van Gogh's work is known for its bold colour, emotive expressiveness and dramatic, impulsive, and expressive brushwork, which contributed to the foundations of modern art. He created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, most of which date from the last two years of his life. These works include landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and self-portraits. Some of his most famous works include The Starry Night, Sunflowers, Irises and Bedroom in Arles. 

Van Gogh's influence on Expressionism, Fauvism, and early abstraction was considerable, and can be seen in many other aspects of twentieth-century art. The intensity of his work had a profound impact on artists that followed. He is often seen as one of the pioneers in the move towards emotional, evocative representation in art – a departure from the more reserved, realistic art of the earlier 19th century. Van Gogh's legacy is not just in his dramatic, colourful, and visually appealing works, but also in his approach to art as a deeply personal and emotional expression, influencing countless artists and movements in the centuries following his death.

Hockney's contemporary interpretation of Van Gogh is a fascinating study in how two artists, separated by more than a century, can share similar artistic sensibilities and approaches – especially in their treatment of nature and understanding of space. Both Hockney and Van Gogh have a profound fascination with the natural world, which is vividly expressed in their works. They often use characteristic strokes and dots to bring a tactile and vibrant quality to their paintings, and share a similar sense of perspective: for instance, when painting forests, both artists choose perspectives that emphasise the long lines of tree trunks, creating a sense of depth and structure.

Hockney himself has pointed out that the main link between him and Van Gogh is the clarity of space, and Van Gogh's ability to depict space with clarity and depth had a significant influence on his work. This understanding of space is evident in the way both artists handle landscapes, imbuing them with a sense of immediacy and presence. They manage to convey not just the visual aspect of a scene but also the experience of being within that space. Hockney's interpretation, however, is not a mere replication of Van Gogh's style. While he admires Van Gogh’s work, Hockney brings his own unique contemporary perspective. His use of colour, though vibrant like Van Gogh’s, often incorporates a broader and more varied palette, reflecting the technological advancements in paint and other media since Van Gogh's time.

Another parallel between the two artists is their constant search for new ways of working and embracing new techniques. Van Gogh evolved from naturalism to Impressionism and then to Post-Impressionism, continually adding to his style. Similarly, Hockney has been known for his willingness to incorporate new technologies into his art. From Polaroids and Pentax cameras to video cameras and iPads, Hockney's adoption of new media has allowed him to explore and express his artistic vision in innovative ways, much like Van Gogh did in his time with the materials and techniques available to him.

Both artists, through their relentless experimentation and unique interpretations of the world around them, have left their mark on the art world. Van Gogh's influence on Hockney underscores the timeless nature of creative expression and the enduring relevance of seeing and interpreting the world with clarity and personal vision.

The relationship between the two artists was the subject of the exhibition "Hockney/Van Gogh: Two Painters, One Love" held in 2019 at The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It was a remarkable exploration of the parallel visions and shared inspirations of the two iconic artists, highlighting not only their mutual love for nature but also how changes in their environments catalysed significant developments in their artistic styles.

One of the exhibition's central themes was the unmistakable influence of Van Gogh on Hockney's work. Hockney has openly expressed his admiration for Van Gogh, citing the Dutch artist's innovative approach to depicting nature as a key inspiration for his own work. Both artists experienced profound shifts in their approach to painting when they moved to new environments; Van Gogh's relocation to the south of France led to significant breakthroughs. In places like Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, he found a quality of light and colour that dramatically changed his palette. Similarly, Hockney's return to Yorkshire, England, after many years in Los Angeles, rekindled his appreciation for the landscapes of his homeland. This change of scenery led to a series of large-scale paintings that captured the Yorkshire countryside's unique beauty. Hockney's work from this period is known for its bright, saturated colours and bold, confident brushstrokes, reflecting a deep engagement with the natural world.

The exhibition was incredibly popular with audiences, notable for juxtaposing works of both artists and allowing visitors to draw direct comparisons between post-impressionistic methods and contemporary techniques. This side-by-side presentation illuminated how both artists used colour and form to capture their emotional and sensory experiences of the landscape, despite the century that separates them. It celebrated the individual achievements of each artist while offering a unique perspective on how the beauty of the natural world can inspire different artistic responses across time. Most importantly, it underscored the idea that while artistic styles and techniques may evolve, the fundamental human desire to capture and understand the natural environment remains a constant source of inspiration.

The cultural impact and legacy of Van Gogh and Hockney cannot be overstated. Tthese two artists, separated by time, geography, and stylistic movements, have collectively bridged centuries of art through their enduring influence and innovative visions. Their intense use of colour, emotive brushstrokes, and ability to imbue everyday scenes with profound emotional depth transformed the landscape of modern art. Hockney’s vibrant landscapes and intimate portraits have not only drawn aesthetic parallels with Van Gogh’s work but also demonstrated a similar spirit of exploration and expression. As a living artist, Hockney continues to influence and shape the contemporary art scene, proving that artistic creativity knows no bounds of age or era.

The juxtaposition of Van Gogh and Hockney's work provides a unique lens through which to view the evolution of artistic expression. It highlights how themes like the love of nature and the representation of space remain constant sources of inspiration, transcending time and trends in art. Their works, though originating in different centuries, speak a common visual language that resonates with audiences across generations. This timeless appeal underscores the universal nature of art as a reflection of human experience and emotion.

The legacy of Van Gogh and Hockney serves as a powerful reminder of art's capacity to connect us across time. Their influence on generations of artists and their impact on the cultural fabric demonstrate the enduring power of visual expression, and we are reminded that art is not just a record of history but a continuous dialogue, ever-evolving and echoing through the ages, bridging centuries and inspiring countless individuals along the way.