In a recently opened exhibition, the Van Gogh Museum is favorably comparing Hockney to the Post-Impressionist master himself. On view through May 26 in Amsterdam, Hockney - Van Gogh: The Joy of Nature, compares the work of these two artists who were both so intrigued by the landscape. Hockney asks, “You can’t be bored of nature, can you?” Through his paintings, one can easily see how joyous and intriguing Hockney finds the natural landscape to be. Largely known for his depictions of the sparkling pools of Southern California, for this recent body of works, Hockney has turned to the fields and forests of Yorkshire. In canvases as wide as eight feet, he depicts the vibrant and changing colors, shapes, and patterns of the natural environment with a gusto that is evocative of Van Gogh.
In his essay for Time Magazine, the Van Gogh Museum’s head of exhibitions, Edwin Becker describes his enduring influence: “Hockney tirelessly seeks fresh perspectives, while staying true to his love of daring colors, striking compositions and original series, often with a sense of humor. ... An artist alive with energy, David Hockney is sure to continue to find and develop new ways of expression. His art encourages us to take a joyful and panoramic perspective of the world.”