Revisiting David Hockney’s House on the West Coast With a One-of-a-Kind Painted Swimming Pool

David Hockney’s hillside house on the West Coast has undergone a significant artistic transformation, reflecting his lifelong fascination with theatrical set design and vibrant color schemes. The artist, who passed away in June 2023, had been gradually reimagining his home as a large, three-dimensional artwork inspired by his stage and opera productions, particularly those for the Metropolitan Opera.

The house, purchased three years ago, has been painted with bold, vivid colors inspired by Hockney’s set designs for the opera ‘Parade’ and other productions. The only structural change has been the addition of three pyramid-shaped apertures to light the studio/living room, which Hockney describes as part of his process of creating a personalized environment, ‘room by room.’

Hockney’s design choices draw heavily from his theatrical work, especially from the opera ‘Parade,’ which features colorful elements influenced by Picasso and Ravel. The house’s palette, including the painted brick wall around the pool, echoes these inspirations. The house also features references to his artworks, such as a painting of Picasso’s ‘Artist and Model’ in his bedroom and a lithograph titled ‘Celia—Musing.’

Hockney’s approach to his home reflects his broader artistic philosophy that sees his environment as a large, living picture, akin to his stage and set designs. He has expressed that he envisions making photographs of these changes, suggesting the transformation is ongoing.

Hockney’s Home as a Living Artistic Canvas

This transformation of Hockney’s house into a vibrant, set-like environment exemplifies his unique approach to art and living space, blurring the boundaries between architecture, theater, and visual art. It highlights how his theatrical set designs have influenced his personal environment, making his home a reflection of his creative universe. This ongoing project offers insight into his artistic process and his desire to create immersive environments that bring viewers closer to art and life.

Hockney’s Artistic and Theatrical Inspirations

David Hockney, renowned for his vivid paintings of California pools and portraits, was also a prolific set designer for the Metropolitan Opera, where his colorful, large-scale productions received critical acclaim. His interest in theatrical scenery and stage design has long influenced his approach to art and environment. Over the past few years, he has applied this aesthetic to his hillside residence, transforming it into a large, evolving artwork inspired by his stage designs, especially from the 1980s and his work on ‘Parade.’

“What I am doing, slowly, is making my own environment—room by room—as artists do. Of course it’s fun.”

— Hockney himself

Extent and Future of the Artistic Home Transformation

Details of the recent changes to Hockney’s house are not fully documented, and it is unclear how much more he plans to modify his environment. The ongoing nature of the project suggests further alterations are possible, but specific future plans remain undisclosed.

Upcoming Documentation and Possible Exhibitions

Hockney’s estate may release photographs or documentation of the house’s latest state, and there is speculation that the home could be showcased in exhibitions or as part of retrospectives highlighting his theatrical and environmental work. Further updates on these plans are expected.

Key Questions

Is Hockney’s house open to the public?

There are no current plans to open Hockney’s house to the public. It remains a private residence and personal artistic project.

What specific artworks inspired the house’s colors?

The house’s colors are primarily inspired by Hockney’s production ‘Parade,’ especially Ravel’s ‘L’Enfant et les sortilèges,’ along with references to his own artworks and theatrical set designs.

Will Hockney’s house be part of an exhibition?

There has been no official announcement, but there is speculation that the house or parts of it could be included in future exhibitions or retrospectives of Hockney’s work.

How does this transformation reflect Hockney’s artistic philosophy?

It exemplifies his view of environments as large, three-dimensional pictures that can be continually shaped and reimagined, integrating his interests in theater, painting, and set design.

Source: Architectural Digest