Beneath the Surface

From the early depictions of leisurely luxury in California Art Collector to the introspective complexity of A Bigger Splash, Hockney’s pool paintings encapsulate more than just Californian opulence; they are nuanced narratives of personal liberation, social commentary, and artistic defiance. They also highlight Hockney’s mastery in capturing the ephemeral interplay of light, water, and human form – revealing how these elements converge to create a poignant commentary on life itself.

Hockney's move to California in 1964 marked a significant shift in his artistic style and subject matter. The stark contrast between the vibrant, sun-soaked landscapes of California and the muted, post-war atmosphere of London provided the artist with a new canvas of possibilities. His immersion in the Californian lifestyle, particularly its signature swimming pools, became a central motif in his work. These pools, often seen as symbols of luxury and leisure, represented more to Hockney; they were a canvas on which he projected his observations of light, colour, and social dynamics. The artist's relocation can be likened to a rebirth, a shedding of the old and embracing the new, vibrant environment that would deeply influence his artistic trajectory. This transformative period was a paradigm shift in his creative process and aesthetic sensibilities. The sun-drenched landscapes, vibrant culture, and distinctive architecture of California offered a stark contrast to the artist's native England, serving as inspiration for his evolving artistic language.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Hockney was captivated by the luminosity and openness of the Californian landscape, as this was a sharp divergence from the more subdued and traditional British settings he was accustomed to. The intensity of light and the ubiquity of swimming pools in private homes became central themes in his work. Beyond being mere aesthetic choices, they symbolised a new way of life and freedom that Hockney had newly found. This period saw Hockney's style undergo a significant evolution, marked by a bolder use of colour, a more playful approach to perspective, and an experimental use of different media. The culmination of this period can be seen in his Yosemite Series of 2010/2011, where he explored the natural beauty of California's landscapes through the use of digital technology. This series, created on an iPad, signifies a marriage between Hockney's enduring love for the traditional subject matter and his embrace of modern technology. It exemplifies how California continually served as a source of inspiration and innovation for the artist, pushing him to explore new frontiers in his work.

California is more than a geographical location for Hockney; it has been a muse that continually fuelled his creative journey. The state's influence is evident in the evolution of his artistic style, themes and techniques. From the iconic depictions of pools to the digital landscapes of Yosemite, Hockney's California artworks stand as a testament to the profound impact a place can have on an artist's vision and output.

Hockney's depictions of pools began shortly after his move to California, marking the artist’s vivid exploration of the interplay between light, water, and the local architecture. Each painting in the series is a snapshot of classic Californian life, capturing moments of tranquillity and introspection amidst the backdrop of private luxury. Hockney's pools operate as more than physical structures, instead acting metaphors for the Californian dream itself – an oasis of pleasure and escape within the modern urban landscape. The artist's keen eye for detail and his ability to convey the transparency and movement of water with paint set these works apart, making them some of the most compelling pieces in contemporary art. These paintings, characterised by bright blues and fluid forms are also a deeper exploration of the interplay between water, light, and the human figures that inhabit the scene. They reflect a sense of tranquillity, mirroring Hockney's own personal and artistic liberation.

These works represent a significant departure from the traditional portrayal of Los Angeles in art and literature, instead offering a vibrant and optimistic view of the city. Hockney's first pool painting, California Art Collector, set the tone for the following works. It depicted a scene of leisure and luxury, a far cry from the gritty, noir-esque representations commonly associated with LA at the time. This painting, with its sun-drenched canopy and distant pool, marked a departure from the darker themes prevalent in modern art of the time – notably contrasting with Francis Bacon's more sombre works. As Hockney's stay in Los Angeles extended, swimming pools increasingly took centre stage in his art, as evident in works like Peter Getting Out of Nick's Pool and A Bigger Splash. In their homoerotic representations of men, these paintings express themes of hedonism, sexual freedom, and a carefree joie de vivre. This thematic shift was significant, especially considering that Hockney, coming from a post-war Britain, found in these scenes a representation of abundance and freedom starkly different from the austerity and sexual repression he had previously known. The inclusion of semi-naked young men in some of these paintings reflected Hockney's own identity and experiences, openly challenging the heterosexual norms of the time.

Hockney's pool paintings also presented an opportunity to explore highly technical aspects of art. As he experimented with abstract techniques to capture the elusive qualities of water and light, he engaged in a dialogue with modern abstract art, going beyond the representation of physical spaces. Instead, Hockney’s explorations question how to portray immaterial elements like light and water in a tangible, emotional way – an approach that challenges the notion that Hockney's work is superficial. Like Matisse's The Swimming Pool, Hockney’s pools deconstruct the elements present in traditional depictions of the elements. Hockney experimented with various artistic techniques to capture the essence of water and its surroundings. His use of bright, saturated colours, fine lines and bold strokes gave the pool paintings a sense of vibrancy and movement, embodying the lively spirit of California.

Hockney’s ability to capture the transient qualities of light and water, blending realism with abstraction, showcases his extraordinary skill and his contribution to the evolution of modern art. These paintings are not just visually stunning, but are also intellectually stimulating, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of representation and perception. Hockney's innovative approach extended to his experimentation with different media. His foray into printmaking, particularly with the Gemini G.E.L. studio in LA, allowed him to explore new dimensions of his pool theme. These prints, characterised by their layered colours and textures, offered a different perspective on the familiar subject of swimming pools, showcasing Hockney's versatility and willingness to embrace new artistic challenges. His use of printmaking as a medium have made his work widely accessible, which has been embraced by audiences around the world.

Hockney's pool paintings and images resonate with audiences because they represent the optimism and freedom of post-war America, particularly in California, encapsulating a specific moment in history. These works also hold a deeper significance in the context of Hockney's personal life and his identity as a gay artist; the pools served as a canvas for exploring themes of identity, desire, and the pursuit of happiness in a time when such expressions were still emerging into public consciousness. Hockney has been credited with refashioning the visual identity of LA, ushering in a new era that is more aligned with the glamorous, fashionable image we have of the city now. The record-breaking sales of his works, decades after their creation, are a testament to their enduring appeal and relevance in contemporary art.

In resurfacing from analysing Hockney's pool works, it is evident that they are vibrant expressions of a transformative period in both the artist's life and in American culture. Beyond depictions of Californian luxury and leisure, they are explorations of the human condition, capturing the essence of joy, freedom, acceptance, relaxation and desire. Through his innovative use of colour, light, and form – a testament to his technical mastery – Hockney invites viewers to dive deeper into the layers of meaning behind these works. Through his unique lens, Hockney transformed everyday swimming pools into canvases of emotional depth and artistic innovation, challenging conventional narratives and inviting viewers to find meaning in the mundane.

Hockney's move to California ignited a creative revolution within him, leading to a body of work that defies traditional categorisation and resonates with a universal quest for personal and artistic freedom.The swimming pool series stands as a testament to Hockney's artistic genius and his unique ability to capture the essence of a time and place, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern art.