David Hockney, A Stunning New Biography

Christopher Simon Sykes, who collaborated with Eric Clapton on his autobiography, turns his attention to an art world rock star: David Hockney. In volume one, he provides a colorful and intimate portrait of one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, based on access to Hockney’s extensive archives, notebooks, and paintings, as well as interviews with family and friends.

Born in 1937, David Hockney grew up in a northern English town during the days of postwar austerity. By the time he was ten years old he knew he wanted to be an artist, and after leaving school he went on to study at Bradford Art College and later at the Royal College of Art in London. Bursting onto the scene at the Young Contemporaries exhibition, Hockney was quickly heralded as the golden boy of postwar British art and a leading proponent of pop art. It was during the swinging 60s in London that he befriended many of the seminal cultural figures of the generation and throughout these years Hockney’s career grew. Always absorbed in his work, he drew, painted and etched for long hours each day, but it was a scholarship that led him to California, where he painted his iconic series of swimming pools. Since then, the most prestigious galleries across the world have devoted countless shows to his extraordinary work.

Most recently Hockney has been at the forefront the art world’s digital revolution, producing incredible sketches on his iPhone and iPad, and it is this progressive thinking which has highlighted his genius, vigor and versatility as an artist approaching his 75th birthday.

“Certainly the most moving and amusing account of the most popular British artist of the 20th century. [David Hockney] bounces along as the rebellious, eccentric, funny artist discovers sex, then London, and so on to fame and fortune, via California. Sykes elicits marvellous background details and anecdotes… The wit, energy and magical talent of Hockney to use whatever happens to him to his purpose and for humour are shown on almost every page.”—London Evening Standard

“Prodigiously entertaining.”
Financial Times

“A chatty, knowledgeable, insider’s biography, full of anecdotes.”
The Guardian

Beautifully illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs throughout, this gorgeous volume makes a lovely addition to any library and is a perfect gift for any lover of art.

Pre-order a copy from one of these online retailers:
Amazon :: Barnes & Noble :: IndieBound :: Powell’s :: Random House