Rare David Hockney Masterpiece Set to Dominate Phillips Auction in London

A New Era for David Hockney's Art

Phillips, a prestigious auction house, is gearing up for a highly anticipated evening dedicated to Modern and Contemporary Art on June 26 in London. Among the standout highlights is David Hockney's remarkable painting, The Only One with Waves (1991), which holds a significant place in the artist's oeuvre. This work is poised to draw substantial interest, with an estimated auction price between £1,800,000 and £2,500,000.

Hockney, celebrated for his innovative approach to art, created this piece shortly after settling into his home in Malibu. The Only One with Waves encapsulates his fascination with the Southern Californian coastline and captures a vibrant representation of the Pacific Ocean—an evolution from his earlier tranquil pool paintings. Hockney has described the movement of the water as “endlessly changing, endlessly fascinating”. This vibrant portrayal is characterized by luminous colors, flattened perspectives, and rhythmic brushwork that immerses viewers in the fluidity of the sea.

In the early 1990s, Hockney embarked on various creative ventures, including stage design, which directly influenced his artistic expression. His understanding of spatial constructs parallels the sweeping motions of the waves depicted in this painting, creating a dynamic visual language that is both immediate and engaging. With a delicate balance between real observation and artistic invention, this work serves as a precursor to Hockney's subsequent series, the Very New Paintings, launched a year later.

As Hockney continues to evolve in his artistic journey, The Only One with Waves reflects a crucial chapter in his dialogue with water, transitioning from the intricate details found in earlier works like A Bigger Splash (1967) to a more gestural and energetic representation that exudes clarity and charisma. Olivia Thornton, the Deputy Chairwoman of Modern and Contemporary Art in Europe, highlights the importance of the June auction, noting it as “a key moment in the international art calendar.” With a successful recent sale in New York, Phillips aims to leverage that momentum, showcasing important names from both the Post-War avant-garde and contemporary disciplines.

The auction promises an impressive line-up, bringing together art from various generations while focusing specifically on Hockney's contributions during a time of heightened critical acclaim and market interest. The public will have an opportunity to preview the works at Phillips' Berkeley Square galleries leading up to the event at 2 PM BST.

In conclusion, Phillips' auction is not merely an event but a testament to the vibrant dialogues within the art world, particularly as they pertain to influential artists like David Hockney. It offers art lovers and collectors a chance to engage deeply with works that resonate on multiple levels—be they aesthetic, emotional, or historical. As the countdown to the auction begins, all eyes will certainly be on The Only One with Waves and its potential to make waves within the competitive art market.