David Hockney's photo collages, known as "joiners," represent a revolutionary chapter in his artistic journey, spanning from 1982 to 1986. Initially skeptical of photography, Hockney transformed his perspective on the medium through these works, pushing the boundaries of visual representation and narrative in art. The joiners are a vibrant testament to his explorations of time, perspective, and space, inviting viewers into a more dynamic interaction with the scenes depicted.

Hockney's fascination with perspective and the challenge to traditional, single-point perspective views are evident in these works. He meticulously assembled multiple photographs to create a single, cohesive image that offers a multifaceted view of a scene. This technique was not only a nod to Cubism, with its emphasis on fragmenting objects and scenes to depict them from various viewpoints, but also an expansion of Hockney's own practices in painting and digital art creation. The resulting works are rich tapestries of life, capturing the essence of moments with a depth and complexity that a single photograph or traditional painting could not achieve​ (MyArtBroker)​.

The subjects of Hockney's joiners range from personal to panoramic. They include intimate portraits of friends and family, like Ann Upton, Celia Birtwell, and Gregory Evans, as well as grand landscapes such as the Grand Canyon and the serene yet complex gardens of the Ryoanji Temple in Japan. Each piece is a narrative in itself, exploring the relationships between the subjects, their environments, and the viewer's gaze. Notable works such as "Pearblossom Hwy., 11-18th April 1986 No. 1," a stunning photographic collage, showcase Hockney's skill in transforming everyday landscapes into extraordinary visual experiences​ (Hockney)​​ (MyArtBroker)​.

These works underscore Hockney's legacy in modern photography and digital art, inspiring artists to explore the possibilities of narrative, perspective, and the representation of time and space. His approach has paved the way for innovative storytelling techniques in photography, where the narrative unfolds through a series of images, offering a richer and more nuanced exploration of subjects. Hockney's influence is also seen in the use of digital technology in art, where traditional techniques are blended with digital manipulation to challenge perceptions of reality​ (MyArtBroker)​.

Ultimately, Hockney's photo collages are a significant contribution to the art world, bridging the gap between traditional art forms and the digital age. They challenge viewers to see beyond the surface, to explore the layers of meaning and perspective in the world around them. Hockney's work, particularly his joiners, continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists, encouraging them to experiment with perspective and the representation of space and time in their own works.