David Hockney

gelatin silver print on cardboard

The British artist David Hockney, born in 1937 in the northern English city of Bradford, is known for his cheerful and lively disposition. The picture by an unknown photographer shows Hockney from behind with his bare bottom as he pulls down his pants. The two men at his side are clearly amused by the situation and laugh heartily.
The comical situation takes place on some kind of wooden terrace or similar. The wooden slats lying around and the hose on the ground as well as the cigarette in the right hand of the man in the middle suggest that the scene is a break during work on the terrace. The scene could also take place at the edge of one of the many swimming pools captured in Hockney's paintings, such as the well-known Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) from 1972.
The painting shows Hockney's open treatment of nudity and sexuality. Hockney never made a secret of the fact that he was gay, even when homosexuality was still illegal in Great Britain. While studying at the best art college in the country, he painted two boys hugging each other. A child-like doodle, decorated with the words “We Two Boys Together Clinging”. His teacher only commented dryly at the time: “I hope you don't get any closer.” Even in the 1980s, when many of his friends were dying of Aids, he remained true to his cheerful motifs - perhaps to counter death with something?¹
(Christoph Fuchs, translated with DeepL.com)

Notes

1
dpa, Maler David Hockney wird 80, Monopol. Magazin für Leben und Kunst, 2017 (https://www.monopol-magazin.de/david-hockney-wird-80, accessed 3.10.2024)