Still
Lifes

Hockney’s fascination with optics and perspective is a defining feature of his Still Life series, and his exploration of how we see and perceive space is evident in the way he carefully arranges objects within his compositions. Hockney often plays with depth, using light, shadow, and varying viewpoints to create dynamic scenes that challenge traditional perceptions of space.

Light and shadow contribute to the depth and atmosphere of each composition, Hockney using the interplay of light and shadow to enhance the textures and forms of objects, creating a vivid sense of realism. The strong, clear light casts distinct shadows that define the spatial relationships between objects, adding a dynamic quality to the scenes.

In Hockney’s Still Lifes, the background is frequently left blank or minimally detailed, a deliberate choice that serves to focus the viewer's attention on the central objects of the composition. By removing distractions, Hockney isolates the subject matter, allowing the intricate details, vibrant colours, and textures of the inanimate objects to stand out.

Hockney often subverts the traditional still life genre by infusing it with a sense of movement, breaking away from the conventional static nature of still life compositions. Prints such as Alka Seltzer takes Hockney’s familiar practice of closely depicting an object or logo, and transforms it into a living tableau by injecting the piece with an abstract figure.

Hockney also incorporates elements of abstraction into his still life pieces, seen in works like Table Flowable. In this piece, Hockney plays with form and structure, depicting loosely defined vases and a sketchy apple on a table that seems to be in motion. The bulbous flowers, reminiscent of Calder's mobiles, add to the sense of fluidity and movement, breaking away from the static nature typically associated with still life.

Flowers are a recurring source of fascination for Hockney, frequently appearing in his Still Lifes throughout his long career. Whether through lithography, etching, or digital drawing, Hockney returns to the theme of flowers repeatedly, treating them as a microcosm of the natural world that has captivated him since his early prints of Californian landscapes.

Hockney’s mastery of print techniques is strikingly evident in his Still Lifes, where he employs lithography, etching, and digital drawing to bring his compositions to life. Each technique allows him to explore different textures, forms, and perspectives, adding depth and variety to his work. Whether capturing the delicate lines of a flower, or the bold contours of everyday objects, Hockney’s command of these methods highlights his versatility as an artist.

Hockney's Still Lifes are widely celebrated, and have been exhibited in numerous prestigious venues around the world, including the Tate Britain, London, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

A great number of Hockney's Still Lifes were produced in LA, where the city's light and vibrant atmosphere deeply influenced his compositions. The bright, clear Californian light allowed Hockney to experiment with bold colours and dynamic shadows, giving his still lifes a distinct sense of clarity and depth. The backdrop of LA’s modernity and cultural energy is subtly reflected in his approach, adding a contemporary edge to his depictions of everyday objects and flowers.

Hockney's Still Lifes are renowned for their attention to detail, reflecting his draughtsmanship and dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects with precision. Every element, from the textures of objects to the interplay of light and shadow, is rendered with careful observation and skill, bringing a heightened sense of realism to his compositions, as well as revealing Hockney's deep engagement with the subtleties of form and colour.