David Hockney's "Moving Focus" series, created between 1984 and 1986, stands out as a significant phase in his oeuvre, showcasing his experimentation with space, perspective, and his continued dialogue with the works of Picasso and Matisse. The series consists of twenty-nine prints that diverge from the traditional cohesion found in print series regarding subject matter, style, and size. Hockney's fascination with depicting space is the unifying element across these works, as he explores reverse perspective, the experience of being within a space, and multipoint perspective. Notably, "Red Celia," a portrait of Celia Birtwell, emerges as one of the most direct and powerful images within the series, reflecting Matisse's influence perhaps more prominently than Picasso's (Smithsonian American Art Museum).
The "Moving Focus" series includes a variety of subjects such as interiors, chairs, vases with flowers, views from a Mexican hotel, and portraits, all executed in varying sizes. This diversification in subject matter further emphasizes Hockney's inventive approach to exploring space and perspective. The series has been described as Hockney's dialogue with Picasso, highlighting his continuous exploration and reinterpretation of Cubism within his own context and the evolution of his artistic language (Smithsonian American Art Museum).
An exhibition at Leslie Sacks Contemporary titled "David Hockney: Narrative and Imagination," which ran from March 7 to April 18, 2015, featured works from Hockney's iconic themes and series, including the "Moving Focus" series. "An Image of Celia," from this series, is highlighted as one of the most complex and sought-after images, where Hockney employs a Cubist-inspired composition and makes art historical references to both Matisse and Picasso. This work incorporates elements of collage from previous editions, such as "Red Celia," "Amaryllis in Vase," and "Afternoon Swimming," further showcasing Hockney's ability to weave together his personal art history with broader art historical narratives (Leslie Sacks Gallery).
Through the "Moving Focus" series, Hockney not only continues to innovate within the realm of printmaking but also deepens his investigation into the complexities of visual perception, the representation of space, and the interplay between viewer and subject. This series exemplifies Hockney's mastery in manipulating perspective and his enduring influence on contemporary art, underscoring his status as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.