In a press release:
SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL™ TO AIR DEFINITIVE FEATURE DOCUMENTARY ON THE LIFE OF A VISIONARY ARTIST
HOCKNEY
PREMIERING MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 AT 8/7C
New York, November 17, 2016 – HOCKNEY, the definitive two-hour documentary on one of the most significant artists of our time, gets its world television premiere on Smithsonian Channel, Monday, December 12 at 8/7c. For the first time David Hockney has given access to his personal archive of photographs and films, and the result is an unparalleled visual diary of an unconventional artist who is now reaching new peaks of popularity worldwide.
David Hockney, at 79, is as charismatic as ever, working in the studio seven days a week and his paintings are selling for increasing amounts. The current Hockney auction record is $7.9 million, but it is speculated that it could be well-surpassed at the Sotheby’s New York contemporary art auction on November 17.
HOCKNEY not only explores the artist’s success but also reveals the private struggles he has faced with his relocation to Hollywood from Yorkshire, England; the relationship that broke his heart; and the tragic AIDS plague that took the life of most of his friends. Hockney says that he lost nearly two thirds of his friends to AIDS: “When I think of all those people, New York would be different…if they hadn’t died, there would be Bohemia still.” This intimate unearthing of deep and personal issues makes his optimism and adventurous spirit truly inspiring.
“It’s been said that there was something of the holiday about David Hockney, that, despite personal loss, he sees the world with holiday eyes, as if for the first time,” said Randall Wright, Director of HOCKNEY. “I wanted to capture this attitude without taking away the mystery and magic of a great artist.”
Since its theatrical release at the BFI London Film Festival in April 2016, HOCKNEY has been screened in prestigious film festivals around the world, and praised for its entertaining and insightful depiction of the life of the charismatic 79-year-old artist.
HOCKNEY is a Blakeway and Fly Film Production for the Smithsonian Channel in association with BBC Arts, BFI, Screen Yorkshire and British Film Company. David Royle and Charles Poe serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.
Source: ©2016 Smithsonian Channel™. All Rights Reserved.
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