Henry Avoiding The Sun
Henry Avoiding The Sun
Signed Print
David Hockney
Price data unavailable
There aren't enough data points on this work for a comprehensive result. Please speak to a specialist by making an enquiry.
27 x 21cm, Edition of 80, Photograph
Medium: Photograph
Edition size: 80
Year: 1975
Size: H 27cm x W 21cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
Last Auction: November 2018
Auction Results
Track auction value trend
Meaning & Analysis
Henry Avoiding The Sun (1975) is a photograph of an influential museum curator, Henry Geldzahler, taken by David Hockney as part of his Twenty Photographic Pictures series. In 1976, Sonnabed Gallery exhibited photographs included in the series and published them as a portfolio. What distinguishes Twenty Photographic Pictures is not only Hockney’s recourse to photography as a medium but also the uniquely casual context, in which the pictures were taken. Henry Avoiding The Sun captures Hockney’s lifelong friend sheltering from the sun in a shaded corner of a wooden beach house. The man is covered with a striped towel, his eyes are closed, and a gentle smile can be discerned despite the sun that casts a shadow over his face. A straw hat lies on a wooden floor next to the chair, adding to the idyllic atmosphere of the summertime scenery. Henry Avoiding The Sun can be seen as Hockney’s attempt to rediscover his signature themes across a variety of mediums. Here, the image of the summer idyll, associated most strongly with Hockney’s depictions of southern California, draws upon the artist’s close observation of his surrounding reality and the ability to capture candid moments on the photographic film.
British-born artist David Hockney is a kaleidoscopic force in the art world. Born in 1937, Hockney's vibrant palette and innovative techniques have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. A pioneer of the British Pop Art movement in the 1960s, he seamlessly transitioned through various styles, from photo collages to vivid landscapes. Renowned for his exploration of light and space, Hockney's versatility extends to painting, printmaking, photography, and stage design. A captivating storyteller, his works often capture the essence of modern life with a playful yet profound touch. With a career spanning decades, Hockney remains an enduring visionary in the ever-evolving art world.
