A Personal Journey with David Hockney’s Art in Los Angeles

I first encountered a David Hockney print near a worn Volkswagen Rabbit in West Hollywood. At a garage sale, the slightly damaged print caught my eye. This was the mid-1990s, a time when Hockney prints were everywhere in Los Angeles. They were sold at places like Aron Brothers and Michaels, where I bought his ‘Nichols Canyon’ on clearance.

Hockney was not the greatest artist Los Angeles had seen, but he was immensely popular during those years. Following his passing, art enthusiasts discussed his unique and enduring influence. His work resonated with a desire for an idealized Los Angeles.

The New York Times reflected on how Hockney helped the city see itself, but I believe he showed us the L.A. we wanted. His iconic pieces—like the abstract ‘Mulholland Drive’ and the ‘Pearblossom Highway’ collage—were instantly recognizable. Hockney embraced mass-market art, welcoming the public display of his posters.

Back then, Los Angeles was not synonymous with glamor. The mid-1990s were marked by economic struggle, crime, and natural disasters. Yet, Hockney’s art offered inspiration. I lived in a tiny, dark apartment, feeling lonely. His art let me dream of a future where I might share a pool with someone.

I learned of Hockney from a stylish neighbor in my complex. His apartment, filled with antiques, featured a prominent print of a Hockney pool. During conversations, he spoke of Hockney’s celebration of male form and as a gay artist. His words sparked my interest in the subtle details in the prints.

When I found a garage sale, acquiring a Hockney piece felt like a connection to my neighbor. Displaying the art in my apartment eventually led to my neighbor visiting, if briefly.

Today, Hockney’s vision of Los Angeles seems limited. Other lifestyles and areas are missing from his art, and my own prints have long been stored away. Yet, I appreciate his impact. Hockney provided me with a lens to view Los Angeles in a hopeful light.

Like others from that era, I never attained a Hollywood Hills mansion. However, I have a small suburban pool. When the light hits the water, memories and dreams rekindle.