Rare David Hockney Masterpiece to Headline Phillips Auction in London

On June 26, a key piece by renowned artist David Hockney, titled "The Only One with Waves" (1991), will take center stage at Phillips’ Modern and Contemporary Art Evening and Afternoon Sale in London. This auction exemplifies the skyrocketing demand for Hockney's art, as collectors and enthusiasts alike seek to obtain works from one of the most celebrated artists of our time.

A Glimpse Into Hockney's World

"The Only One with Waves" is not just a visual treat; it is a pivotal artwork from Hockney's career, crafted soon after he settled into his Malibu home. The piece captures Hockney's enduring connection to the South Californian coast and his fascination with water, both as a subject matter and as an emotive experience. Hockney steps away from the serene aesthetics of his famous swimming pool paintings and embraces the vibrant dynamism of the Pacific Ocean. He eloquently depicts what he describes as "the intimate movement of water, constantly changing and endlessly fascinating."

Using a distinctive flattened perspective, vibrant colors, and rhythmic brushstrokes, Hockney creates a composition that immerses viewers in the scene. The artwork showcases his exceptional ability to balance observation with invention, embodying both clarity and energy—a hallmark of his evolution as an artist.

At a time when Hockney's creative ambitions peaked, this piece also reflects his involvement in theatrical settings during the early 1990s, showcasing significant scenic designs including major commissions for operatic performances. His vision of space as a multilayered, fluid construct beautifully translates into the broad contours and refined forms of the waves in this painting, foreshadowing the advancements he would pioneer in his subsequent works, particularly in the series "Very New Paintings" launched a year later.

Engaging with the Past and Future

This particular artwork also signals a new chapter in Hockney's ongoing relationship with water. From the complex surfaces of his earlier work "A Bigger Splash" (1967) to the gestural treatment observed in "The Only One with Waves," Hockney continually demonstrates a remarkable capacity to convey movement and light through a visually striking language.

As Olivia Thornton, Phillips’ Associate Vice President for Modern and Contemporary Art in Europe, notes: "June in London is a pivotal time for the international art calendar. We are thrilled to continue the momentum following our successful White Glove Evening Sale held in New York last month. Building on this success, we look forward to presenting seminal figures from the post-war avant-garde alongside prominent contemporary artists. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our clients to a sale that reflects the wealth, dynamism, and international character of today’s art market."

The upcoming auction will feature a carefully curated selection of works from artists across various generations, highlighting Hockney's contributions, especially at a time when he enjoys both critical acclaim and commercial success. Prior to the auction, an exhibition showcasing the artwork will be held at Phillips' galleries on Berkeley Square, offering the public a chance to engage with Hockney's masterpiece before it goes on the block.

In conclusion, as the art world converges in London in June, Phillips' auction promises not only to spotlight Hockney’s transformative work but also to affirm the lasting legacy and enduring popularity of a true art legend. Attendees are sure to witness a display of creativity that celebrates the past while embracing the vibrancy of contemporary art today.