Renowned artist David Hockney, aged 86, captured the essence of singer Harry Styles, aged 29, in a vibrant portrait painted in his art studio in Normandy, France. This captivating artwork will be unveiled to the public for the first time in the upcoming exhibition, David Hockney: Drawing from Life, opening on November 2. The portrait showcases Styles wearing an orange and red cardigan, paired with a pearl necklace and blue jeans.
Styles rose to fame as a member of the popular boy band, One Direction, formed on The X Factor in 2010. Since then, he has established himself as a solo artist, releasing three albums, including the chart-topping Harry’s House in 2022.
The National Portrait Gallery will not only showcase Hockney’s portrait of Styles, but also other notable figures in his life. These include portraits of his late mother, Laura Hockney, his friend, fashion designer Celia Birtwell, his former partner, curator Gregory Evans, and individuals from the local Normandy community where he currently resides.
Originally displayed for a mere 20 days in 2020 before the pandemic forced its closure, the exhibition has now returned with a rejuvenated collection. In addition to the 33 new portraits, visitors can also admire color-pencil drawings from Hockney’s time in Paris in the early 1970s, as well as a selection of drawings from the 1980s, when the artist challenged himself to create a self-portrait every day for two months.
Hockney’s artistic mastery spans various mediums, as demonstrated by the use of pencil, pastel, ink, and watercolor across his works. He has also embraced technology, employing a 35mm camera and apps on his iPhone and iPad. Notably, the exhibition features newly painted portraits of Hockney’s partner, Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima, symbolizing a return to traditional painting following a period of capturing the Normandy landscape with his iPad.
David Hockney: Drawing From Life is a remarkable collection that showcases around 160 works sourced from public and private collections, including pieces from the artist’s personal archives.
Commenting on the exhibition, Sarah Howgate, senior curator of contemporary collections at the National Portrait Gallery, expressed her excitement: “Reopening David Hockney: Drawing from Life after its premature closure last year is truly significant. This revitalized exhibition features over 30 vibrant and insightful painted portraits, capturing the energy and spirit of the artist’s friends and visitors to his Normandy studio. We are privileged to collaborate with David Hockney once again.”
Nicholas Cullinan, director of the National Portrait Gallery, added, “After a successful summer reopening, I am thrilled to restage this major exhibition by David Hockney at our newly refurbished National Portrait Gallery. Fulfilling the promise made to David in March 2020, this exhibition is a testament to his extraordinary talent and creativity. His new portraits, created in the past couple of years, showcase his unwavering ingenuity and artistic prowess, providing a truly life-affirming experience.”
The National Portrait Gallery reopened its doors in June following a £41.3 million renovation that spanned three years.
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