The Facts
On September 3, 2026, the J. Paul Getty Museum published a retrospective look by curators Julian Brooks and Virginia Heckert at two focused exhibitions held in 2017 to celebrate David Hockney’s 80th birthday, collectively titled "Happy Birthday, Mr. Hockney." One gallery displayed self-portraits spanning 65 years, from his teenage years at Bradford School of Art to iPad drawings from 2012. The second gallery featured photo collages from the 1980s, including Polaroid composites and the iconic "Pearblossom Hwy., 11–18th April 1986, #2," a collage of chromogenic prints measuring 71 1/2 × 107 inches. Hockney passed away on June 11, 2026, at age 88.
The Signal
The exhibitions highlighted Hockney's relentless innovation, from traditional pencil drawings to Xerox machine experiments and Polaroid collages that redefined photographic time. Curator Virginia Heckert noted that "Pearblossom Hwy." is displayed about every ten years due to conservation concerns, with the next viewing anticipated soon. The curators recalled Hockney's playful humor and ease with new technology, including his use of four photocopy machines in his studio. His death marks the end of a career that bridged Pop Art, Los Angeles leisure, and digital experimentation, leaving a legacy of constant reinvention that continues to influence contemporary art practices.
- Artists: David Hockney
- People: Julian Brooks, Virginia Heckert, Timothy Potts, Lawrence Weschler
- Museums: J. Paul Getty Museum
- Locations: Los Angeles
The Morning Signal · Daily
Get stories like this in your inbox
The art world in one daily email — auctions, openings, and acquisitions from 90+ primary sources, distilled into a five-minute read. Independent — no marketplace, no gallery ads.
Join collectors, dealers & curators
No spam · free every morning · unsubscribe anytime
The Jobs Digest · Weekly
New art-world jobs, every Monday
The Jobs Digest rounds up the week’s new museum, gallery, and auction-house openings — with salary when disclosed. One email a week, unsubscribe anytime.
