DAVID HOCKNEY "1ST BRITISH INTERNATIONAL PRINT BIENNALE" 1968

David Hockney (1937-2026) is one of the most influential British artists of the twentieth century and is arguably the most important British contributor to the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Hockney has experimented with and mastered numerous artistic mediums, having worked with photography, collage, drawing, painting, set design, and printmaking. His style has evolved throughout his lengthy career, yet his work is always identifiable for a certain optimism and je ne sais quoi joy. This signed lithograph poster is a wonderful example of Hockney’s talent as an illustrator and graphic artist. It was published on the occasion of the 1st International Print Biennale, held at the Bradford City Art Gallery in Yorkshire. Bradford was Hockney’s hometown, making his involvement with the exhibition particularly fitting. The image depicts a tree with shards of grass at its foot, rendered in primary blue and red. Hockney uses a variety of shading techniques to create depth and texture within an otherwise economical, graphic composition. The limited palette and simplified forms emphasize the possibilities of printmaking while retaining the spontaneity and wit characteristic of his drawing. The result is a joyful and distinctly Hockney image that brings together his interests in nature, graphic experimentation, and the expressive potential of print. This work is held in the permanent collection of the UK Government Art Collection, the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto Gallery. "1st British International Print Biennale" United Kingdom, 1968 Offset lithograph poster in colours on T.H. Saunders wove paper Signed in pencil, lower right of image From an edition of unknown size Printed by Curwen Studio, Cambridge, UK Published by Bradford City Art Gallery and Museums, Bradford, Yorkshire, on the occasion of the 1st International Print Biennale, 21 November 1968-19 January 1969 30.5"H 23"W (work) (framed) Very good condition Catalogue Raisonné: Baggot 14