Cushions

Cushions is a signed print by internationally renowned and much-loved British artist, David Hockney. Issued in a limited edition of 75, it makes an extended use of the cross-hatching characteristic of Hockney’s many etchings. As such, it evokes the rigid forms of the artist’s set designs for a 1975 showing of The Rake’s Progress, as seen in his poster print, An Exhibit Of Costumes (1975) – part of the Hockney And The Stage series. A monochrome print, it contrasts with Hockney’s later adoption of bright, garish colours during the 1980s, as in the 1987 print, Caribbean Tea Time Paravent, 1987. Hockney spent the first part of 1968 in Santa Monica, California, working on a series of ambitious double portraits including Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachard – an iconic work that Hockney created with the help of photographs, such as Christopher Isherwood And Don Bachardy (Study), part of the Photographs collection. In this print, we are granted a similarly private and intimate view into a living space; the focal points of the piece are a number of cushions arranged on a sofa and a dark rug which engenders stark contrast with the otherwise muted furniture which adorns the space.