With 400 Works On Display, David Hockney 25 At Fondation Louis Vuitton Takes Paris By Storm

Known for his contribution to the pop art movement of the 1960s, David Hockney is one of the most influential artists of the last two centuries. Travellers in Europe, global tourists, and Parisian residents now have the opportunity to witness the artist’s work in person. Titled ‘David Hockney 25,’ this retrospective exhibit, one of the largest in Hockney’s career, is on view at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris from April 9 to August 31, 2025. It encompasses over 400 works of the artist spanning seven decades, from 1955 to 2025 and includes paintings, drawings, and creations in digital forms as well.

Blurring the Lines Between Creator and Curator

David Hockney himself has been deeply involved in the exhibition’s curation, collaborating with his partner Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima and assistant Jonathan Wilkinson. The exhibition spread across 11 galleries, each meticulously designed to reflect the artist’s journey over decades. The exhibit also includes immersive video installations alongside paintings.

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The exhibition begins at the ground level with early works from the 1950s to the 1970s on display. The paintings include ‘Portrait of My Father’ (1955), ‘A Bigger Splash’ (1967), and ‘Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)’ (1972) — each exploring identity through visuals of swimming pools as metaphors for human connection. On the first floor, in Galleries 5 and 7, are Hockney’s recent landscapes from Yorkshire and Normandy. Gallery 5 includes ‘220 for 2020’ iPad series while Gallery 6 displays vibrant acrylic paintings, reminiscent of Van Gogh. Gallery 7 exhibits ‘La Grande Cour,’ a 24-panel ink drawing, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. 

The uppermost floor in Gallery 9 explores Hockney’s engagement with art history and displays works that reference artists like Fra Angelico, Cezanne, and Picasso. While Gallery 10 offers an immersive opera set design and Gallery 11 concludes with the artist’s most recent works from London, including self-portraits.

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A Collection Of Artists’ Paintings From London, Normandy And Yorkshire

A significant portion of the exhibition includes David Hockney’s recent works from the past 25 years, which he created in Normandy, London, and Yorkshire. The most notable artworks from the show include ‘May Blossom on the Roman Road’ (2009) and the monumental ‘Bigger Trees Near Warter’ (2007), both of which showcase how the artist connects with nature in artistic styles. The show also presents digital art in traditional frames. For instance, his painting made on an iPad, ‘27th March 2020, No.1,’ is an example of blending contemporary technology with a traditional style of presentation. 

An Immersive Experience At The Opera Set And A Collection Of Portraits

A highlight of the collection is an immersive opera set design installation in Gallery 10, where guests can experience Hockney’s contributions to the world of opera through a fusion of art and music. The visitors are enveloped in a polyphonic creation that reimagines Hockney’s iconic opera set designs. The exhibition transforms the space into a dynamic space where the artist’s vibrant colour palettes and perspectives are experienced on a grander scale.

The exhibit also displays Hockney’s portraiture, featuring over 60 works that depict friends, family, and nature. These portraits, created using traditional as well as modern art techniques, offer insights into the artist’s personal relationships and evolving artistic methods.

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A Tribute To David Hockney’s Legacy 

‘David Hockney 25,’ is a testament to his influence and commitment to innovation. It not only showcases his artistic achievements but also reflects his philosophy that art is a continuous journey of discovery and expression. He states, “This exhibition means an enormous amount because it is the largest exhibition I’ve ever had— 11 rooms in the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Some of the very last paintings I’m working on now will be included in it, and I think it’s going to be very good.”

The immersive nature of ‘David Hockney 25’ allows visitors not only to view but also to engage with the depth of Hockney’s artistic expressions. The integration of his artwork and stage designs with multimedia elements creates a sensory appeal that resonates emotionally. It’s remarkable that an artist like David Hockney, known for his traditional art skills, has so successfully embraced digital media. This exhibition is a celebration of the artist’s lifelong creativity, technical innovation and sensitivity to nature and human emotions.

The exhibition opens daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, tickets are available on Fondation Louis Vuitton’s official website.