Royal Academy

David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020

27 March — 22 August 2021

David Hockney, No. 299, 29th April 2020. iPad painting. © David Hockney.

As we see a little light ahead of a long lockdown, Hopefully, we will be able to visit the Royal Academy this year for 2 shows that are being planned. I think our first visit was the Sensation Exhibition. Sensation was an exhibition of the collection of contemporary art owned by Charles Saatchi, including many works by Young British Artists, (YBAs), which first took place 18 September – 28 December 1997 Since the expansion of the Royal Academy a few years ago we have been on several tours. In the midst of a pandemic, David Hockney RA captured the unfolding of spring on his iPad, creating 116 new and optimistic works in praise of the natural world.

David Hockney RA at the Royal Academy

David Hockney RA is one of the most important British artists of the 20th century. He remains one of the most inventive. Throughout his career, he’s investigated new technologies and explored different ways to make art. Beginning with his iPhone in 2007 before adopting the iPad and Stylus in 2010.

This new body of work comprises a total of 116 pieces, all created on the iPad and then printed onto paper under Hockney’s meticulous supervision. As Hockney himself emphasises: mastering the iPad demands both drawing and painting skills. Each piece printed significantly larger than its original screen size, enables you to discern every mark and stroke made by the artist’s hand.

Made in the spring of 2020, during a period of intense activity at his home in Normandy, this exhibition charts the unfolding of spring, from beginning to end, and is a joyous celebration of the seasons.

Opening exactly a year after the works were made during the global pandemic, this exhibition will be a reminder of the constant renewal and wonder of the natural world – and the beauty of spring.

The paintings shown on this page are iPad paintings. © David Hockney. They are shown to advertise a show at the Royal Academy London

Summer Exhibition – 15 Jun — 17 Aug 2021

The annual celebration of art and creativity continues in 2021.

Run without interruption since 1769 – yes, even in 2020 – the Summer Exhibition is the world’s largest open submission art show. It brings together art in all mediums, from prints, paintings, film and photography to sculpture, architectural works and more by leading artists. Royal Academicians and household names as well as new and emerging talent.

Most of the works are available to buy and the Summer Exhibition directly support artists and the RA. Income from the Summer Exhibition helps both the exhibiting artists and the not-for-profit work of the RA. If art has taught us anything over the past year. It is that it can act as a global symbol of hope, offer individual moments of solace, and create much-needed daily distractions from the enormity of our new situation.

Burlington House entrance

Burlington House, Piccadilly,
London, W1J 0BD

Burlington Gardens entrance

6 Burlington Gardens,
London, W1S 3ET