In the 1960s, David Hockney established himself as a significant figure in the art world, blending Pop Art's vivid imagery with Modernism's reflective depth. This decade was pivotal in shaping his artistic identity, evident in works like A Bigger Splash. Hockney's art from this period is known for its absence of shadows, flat planes, and a patchwork of colors that challenge our sense of distance, making his acrylic canvases resemble sleek magazine pages (The Art Story). One of Hockney's notable works from this era, Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy (1968), exemplifies his skill in acrylic on canvas, showcasing the intimate and complex relationships that often became his subject matter (Hockney). Hockney's experimentation with various artistic mediums was evident, as seen in his exploration of lithography which allowed for a different kind of expressiveness. His early etchings and lithographs, like The Hypnotist and Jungle Boy, are marked by a narrative quality, bolder colors, and a directness reflecting Hockney's growing confidence (MyArtBroker). A significant part of Hockney's work in the 1960s includes A Rake's Progress (1963), a series of 16 etchings that reinterpret William Hogarth's 18th-century series. This work demonstrated Hockney's masterful control of etching and a minimalist, modern approach to narrative that diverges significantly from Hogarth's detailed scenes (MyArtBroker). Hockney's early career also featured experimentation with abstract expressionism, influenced by his exposure to American painting, which he found more interesting than French painting at the time. However, Hockney soon realized this style was too barren for him, leading to a significant exhibition of Pablo Picasso's work at the Tate Gallery, which became a crucial influence for Hockney (The David Hockney Foundation: Home). Hockney's 1960s works, while influenced by contemporary visual culture and a select group of students at the RCA, faced disapproval from tutors but enthusiasm from critics who identified a new movement: Pop Art. Despite the tutors' mounting hostility, visiting artist Richard Hamilton's encouragement allowed Hockney and R. B. Kitaj to receive awards of merit, underscoring the beginning of Hockney's rise in the London arts scene (The David Hockney Foundation: Home). Throughout the 1960s, Hockney's journey was marked by an exploration into themes of love, identity, and human experience, laying the foundation for his later, more renowned works. His early career not only showcases his stylistic evolution but also offers a glimpse into the breadth and depth of his genius (The Art Story) (MyArtBroker).
