David Hockney, Britain’s most celebrated living painter, is at the centre of a censorship row after Paris Metro authorities pulled a promotional poster for his upcoming retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. The offending image? A photograph of the artist holding a cigarette.
Set to be one of the largest exhibitions of his career, David Hockney 25 (9 April–31 August) is a deep dive into the artist’s seven-decade-long practice, showcasing nearly 400 works. Yet, visitors commuting via the Paris Metro might remain oblivious to the blockbuster show, thanks to what Hockney has called “complete madness.”
The rejected poster, which featured Hockney seated beside a self-portrait titled Play within a Play within a Play and Me with a Cigarette, fell foul of the transport network’s advertising policies. While the painting—also depicting the artist smoking—remains unproblematic, the photographic image was deemed unacceptable.
“The bossiness of those in charge of our lives knows no limits,” Hockney remarked. “They only object to the photograph, even though I am smoking also in the painting I am holding!”
Hockney, now 87 and rarely seen without a fag in his hand, has long been vocal about personal freedoms, particularly his right to smoke. In a 2020 interview with The Sunday Times, he quipped, “I’ve had three doctors in the past 40 or so years. They all told me to give up smoking, and now they’re all dead.”
Curator Sir Norman Rosenthal, who helms the exhibition, also weighed in on the decision, calling it “beyond comprehension.” He added, “Paris is a city of freedom and revolution wrapped into its history—this flies in the face of that.”
Like his art, Hockney’s views on smoking challenge authority and convention. Despite health warnings, he sees it as a statement of defiance against the “interfering bossiness” of modern life.
The controversy, however, does little to overshadow the significance of David Hockney 25. Hailed as “the Picasso of our times,” Hockney’s work has consistently changed how we see the world. The Fondation Louis Vuitton’s exhibition promises to be a landmark moment, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in his vibrant, ever-evolving vision.
David Hockney was born on 9 July 1937. He is an English painter, draftsman, printmaker, stage designer, and photographer. Hockney is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He has made significant contributions to the art world through his distinctive style and exploration of various mediums.
Hockney was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, and showed a keen interest in art from a young age. He attended the Bradford School of Art in the late 1950s and later studied at the Royal College of Art in London. During his time at the Royal College, Hockney developed his unique artistic voice, drawing inspiration from various sources, including modernism and contemporary culture.
In the early 1960s, Hockney gained recognition for his swimming pool paintings depicting Southern California’s sunny, vibrant landscapes. These works showcased his ability to capture the play of light and shadow and his fascination with the human figure concerning its surroundings. Hockney’s use of bold colours and clean lines became synonymous with his style and contributed to his growing reputation as a leading figure in the Pop Art movement.
Throughout his career, Hockney experimented with different artistic techniques and mediums. He explored collage and photomontage, using Polaroid photographs to create unique compositions. In the 1980s, he embraced new technology and began making art on computer and iPad screens, further pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic practices.
Hockney’s versatility extended beyond the canvas. He collaborated with theatre and opera companies, designing sets and costumes for numerous productions, including Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress.” His ability to translate his artistic vision onto the stage demonstrated his versatility and creativity as an artist.
Over the years, Hockney’s work has been exhibited in major art institutions worldwide, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His art has been celebrated for its vibrant colours, bold compositions, and a sense of joy that permeates each piece.
Aside from his artistic contributions, Hockney is known for his candid and outspoken nature. He has been an advocate for gay rights and has used his platform to address social and political issues. His openness about his sexuality and personal life has paved the way for greater acceptance and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community within the art world and beyond.
David Hockney’s impact on the art world is immeasurable. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, and his willingness to explore new mediums and push artistic boundaries has solidified his status as a true innovator. Through his paintings, drawings, photography, and stage designs, Hockney has left an indelible mark on the art world and has secured his place as one of the most celebrated artists of our time.