Artist David Hockney’s ability to move with the times could see a signed print and accompanying books achieve £30,000 at auction.
Hockney, an English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer and photographer, has embraced multiple genres – including new technology.
Age is just a number for Hockney, now 86. He continually demonstrates his ability to embrace new techniques and develop his art. A colourful floral iPad drawing he created is part of an important lot in Hansons Auctioneers’ February 26 Library Auction.
Hockney, considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century, signed, dated and numbered the iPad drawing, which also appears in limited-edition book, A Bigger Book (SUMO monograph). Both the book, print, companion chronology book and adjustable bookstand designed by Marc Newson from Apple, will be offered with a guide price of £20,000-£30,000.
Jim Spencer, Head of Hansons’ Library Auction, said: “David Hockney is one of the most influential and popular artists in existence. He’s produced some of the most instantly recognisable works, from the Pop Art movement of the 1960s to present day.
“Anything related to Hockney is therefore going to have broad appeal, which is the key to ensuring a strong market value. I’ve always been a big fan of Hockney, and I admire his ceaselessly inventive spirit, from photo-collage to iPad drawings.
“The great thing about this Sumo book and signed print is that it captures the essence of his pioneering flair. The vibrancy of the print proves what can be achieved on something like an iPad in the hands of a master.
“Hockney was born in 1937, so this harnessing of the latest technology is profoundly inspiring. The screen becomes his canvas; the vivid colours and distinctive style is immediately recognisable as his own.
“This is the ultimate purchase for a fan of Hockney – the huge, sumptuously illustrated book; the strikingly designed gallery display stand; the gorgeous signed print, one of just 250 produced – all perfectly preserved in the original packing box.
“And it was a sound investment for the owner, a fan of Hockney. It shows that it pays to buy what you love. I meet people who have been sold an investment by a high-street gallery, but it’s often an invented or inflated price for an unknown artist, which can make it difficult to recoup anywhere near what was spent. This is the exact opposite, an exciting work by a national treasure, which has appreciated in value considerably.”
The David Hockney items, Lot 111, are offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ February 26 Library Auction.
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
Enquiries: www.hansonslive.co.uk
David Hockney image credit: Connaissance des Arts, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
