Interiors and Exteriors by David Hockney Background & Meaning

While best known for his portraits and landscapes, Hockney’s Interiors and Exteriors shows his attention to detail when it comes to surroundings. This is an artist who knows the value of a well positioned chair or vase, the importance of a window or the drapery of a curtain to a composition. Some of Hockney's most masterful portraits are held together by his talent for recreating beautiful rooms.

With works such as Contrejour In The French Style and Home we see these interiors stripped of their sitters, their light and proportions taking centre stage as the artist lovingly reproduces object and ornament to charming effect. Whether it's a parquet floor, the slats of wooden shutters, the iron railings of a balcony or exquisitely detailed wallpaper, Hockney lavishes as much attention on these features as he would those of a sitter. Even when his interiors are more minimal, as in the case of Sofa 8501 Hedges Place we are treated to a devotion to light and shadow that infuses the work with hidden depth and recalls Durer’s classic studies of pillows.

Many of Hockney’s interiors are depicted from the perspective of one looking out from within and this is clearly seen in prints such as Mexican Hotel Garden and Views Of Hotel Well I where the artist appears to be sat under a kind of porch looking at an enclosed courtyard that we recognise from the series Moving Focus. Here the simplicity of the wooden structure is contrasted with the overflowing excess of the tropical plants. Overall there is a sense of generosity in the two works, thanks to the wide lens perspective that places the viewer directly in the artist’s shoes, looking out at the scene. With works such as Caribbean Tea Time Paravent, we see Hockney taking this blend of inside and outside further. Here he combines multiple viewpoints, as we have seen him do in his photo collages to create an almost Cubist effect, presenting us with tables and chairs, archways and plants as well as what could be a swimming pool or pond on the left hand side. As well as challenging the norms of composition here Hockney subverts tradition once again by presenting the print on a paravent, or screen, transforming the scene to become part of another interior entirely.

Hockney’s work also pays close attention to exterior architecture, whether through the low pastel coloured modernist buildings of LA or the looming skyscrapers of New York, as seen in A Rake’s Progress. In works such as French Shop we see him depicting a classically European building with its plain plaster facade in a very precise, almost illustrative, style. He incorporates the shop’s sign, evoking A Rake’s Progress again where lettering is combined with his talent for draughtsmanship to great effect.

Hockney’s interiors and exteriors are an undervalued aspect of his work. Through seemingly empty compositions, populated only by chairs, plants and windows, we can see the essence of his talent for composition and draughtsmanship, with every detail painstakingly reproduced in print whether it’s lithography or etching.

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10 Facts About David Hockney’s Interiors & Exteriors

In Caribbean Tea Time, Hockney ingeniously uses a folding panel to merge interior and exterior worlds, offering a fresh perspective similar to looking out of a window. This composition, deviating from his typical style, brilliantly demonstrates perspective through its physical structure, enhancing the interplay between internal and external spaces. Hockney's distinctive approach in this artwork not only fuses different environments but also adds a dynamic layer to the viewing experience, akin to moving through spaces.

Hockney's keen eye for exterior architecture is evident in his vivid depiction of varied architectural landscapes. From the sun-drenched modernist structures of Los Angeles to the timeless elegance of classic Haussmann buildings seen in Rue De Seine, Hockney captures the essence of each locale. His portrayal not only showcases his versatility but also reflects a deep appreciation for the architectural diversity that characterises different regions and cultures. Through Hockney's lens, these structures become integral, characterful elements of his compositions.

Hockney's View Of Hotel Well II, echoing the style of his Hotel Acatlán works from the Moving Focus collection, presents a nearly perfect panoramic view of an exterior scene. This artwork transcends the conventional flat, focused perspective, inviting viewers into a more immersive experience. Hockney's technique allows for an expansive visual journey, offering a vantage point that extends both above and around, creating a sense of being enveloped within the landscape.