David Hockney: A Bigger Picture
David Hockney: A Bigger Picture

Movie spotlight

David Hockney: A Bigger Picture

2009
Movie
115 min
English

Filmed over three years, the documentary is an unprecedented record of a major artist at work. It captures David Hockney's return to England after 25 years in California. As he approaches the age of 70, he decides to re-invent his painting from scratch, working through the seasons and in all weathers out in the Yorkshire countryside - ending up with the largest picture ever made outdoors. It is at once the story of a homecoming and an intimate portrait of what inspires and motivates today's greatest living British-born artist as time runs out. Winner of Best Essay award at the International Festival for Films on Art in Montreal and nominated Best Arts Documentary by the Grierson and International Emmy Awards. Premiered on BBC1, the documentary appears in a special extended 60' version.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Director: Phil GrabskyGenres: Documentary, Art

Plot Summary

This documentary offers an intimate look into the life and work of renowned British artist David Hockney. It explores his artistic evolution, his fascination with technology in art, and his return to landscape painting in Yorkshire. The film features extensive interviews with Hockney himself, providing insights into his creative process and his unique perspective on the world.

Critical Reception

The documentary was generally well-received, praised for its access to the artist and its comprehensive overview of his career, particularly his later works. Critics noted its illuminating portrayal of Hockney's innovative spirit and his dedication to his craft.

What Reviewers Say

  • Offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a celebrated artist.

  • Showcases Hockney's significant artistic contributions and his engagement with new technologies.

  • A valuable document for art enthusiasts interested in contemporary British art.

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Fun Fact

The film highlights Hockney's use of the iPad to create art, a pioneering move for a major artist at the time, showcasing his continuous embrace of new technologies.

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