A new exhibition, “In the Mood for Love: Hockney in London, 1960–1963,” will run from 21 May to 18 July 2025 at Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert, showcasing previously unseen works from David Hockney’s formative years. Featuring intimate portraits and the celebrated Love series, this exhibition highlights his evolving style and personal connections, marking a significant exploration of Hockney’s early career.
A significant exhibition titled “In the Mood for Love: Hockney in London, 1960–1963” is set to debut from 21 May to 18 July 2025 at Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert in St James’s, London. This show offers a unique glimpse into David Hockney’s early days as a student and emerging artist in London, with a collection of paintings, drawings, and prints that shaped his influential career. Many of these works have not been displayed together since the sixties.
Notably featured is Hockney’s Love series, showcasing vibrant, graffiti-like pieces like “The First Love Painting (1960)” and “Love Painting – Shame (1960).” These pieces stand out for their raw vibrancy, diving into themes of sexuality and identity during a time when homosexuality was illegal in the UK. The exhibition maps Hockney’s artistic shift from abstraction to a more figurative style, influenced by literary figures such as C.P. Cavafy and Walt Whitman.
Personal connections are evident in intimate portraits like “The Cha Cha that was Danced in the Early Hours of 24 March 1961,” featuring his first crush, and “Life Painting for Myself,” depicting his close friend and lover, Mo McDermott. Curated by Louis Kasmin, grandson of dealer John Kasmin, the exhibition also provides access to privately-held works, and comes with an illustrated catalogue featuring insights from art historian Marco Livingstone and reflections from John Kasmin himself.
This exhibition, the first to focus solely on Hockney’s London years, promises to be a highlight for anyone curious about his artistic beginnings. It not only showcases his early breakthroughs but also encapsulates the vibrant atmosphere of a transformative London era, celebrating Hockney’s bold journey in love and self-expression. For art enthusiasts and fans of Hockney, “In the Mood for Love” is an unmissable occasion to witness the origins of one of Britain’s most iconic artists.
The upcoming exhibition “In the Mood for Love” shines a spotlight on David Hockney’s early artistic journey in London from 1960 to 1963. With a rich array of works that explore personal themes, it offers an unprecedented look at Hockney’s formative years. This showcase serves as a testament to his vibrant relationship with art and the cultural shifts of the time, making it a key event for fans and art lovers alike.
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