David Hockney Retrospective Concludes at Metropolitan Museum After International Tour

The David Hockney retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art concludes this weekend, having previously appeared at Tate Britain and the Pompidou Center. While each venue emphasized different aspects of his work—photography, drawing, multimedia pieces, stage designs, and portraiture—the exhibition consistently portrayed Hockney as an indefatigable explorer. New York's presentation occupied less space than those in London or Paris, yet this constraint did not diminish its impact. The show's intellectual core featured his remarkable double portraits, displayed in an intimate gallery setting that enhanced their domestic quality. Iconic swimming pool scenes and lush late-period landscapes of Hollywood and Yorkshire charted the evolution of his diverse artistic practice. Memorable highlights included his early student works, characterized by primitive graffiti-like exuberance, and captivating animated iPad paintings that captivated visitors at the exit. These experimental pieces reflect Hockney's enduring curiosity about perception and lived experience. The retrospective ran from November 27, 2018, to February 25, 2018.