David Hockney: A Rake鈥檚 Progress
This spring, the Museum is proud to partner with the Portland Opera and the David Hockney Foundation to present David Hockney: A Rake鈥檚 Progress. Hockney, one of the most significant artists of our generation, has long engaged with the paintings and engravings of 18th-century English artist William Hogarth. Hockney was particularly captivated by Hogarth鈥檚 series The Rake鈥檚 Progress, 1733, which chronicles the rise and fall of Tom Rakewell, the son and heir of a rich merchant, who squanders his money on luxurious living, prostitution, and gambling. After a trip to New York, Hockney produced his own interpretation of the story. Hockney鈥檚 A Rake鈥檚 Progress was published as a portfolio of 16 etchings in 1963 and is considered one of the high points of his early career.
In 1975, Hockney collaborated with director John Cox to create a new production of Igor Stravinsky鈥檚 opera based on Hogarth鈥檚 The Rake鈥檚 Progress. Hockney drew inspiration from the 18th-century master鈥檚 engravings, endowing the set designs and costumes with a linearity that speaks not only to the language of prints, but also to the modern angularity of Stravinsky鈥檚 score. The result is both playful and rigorous, a perfect blend of the aural and visual.
The exhibition is an exciting look into Hockney鈥檚 creative process. It will feature etchings, drawings, models, and watercolors that depict the 1975 opera鈥檚 set design from initial idea to final concept, offering a rare glimpse into working methods of one of England鈥檚 finest living artists.
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This spring, the Museum is proud to partner with the Portland Opera and the David Hockney Foundation to present David Hockney: A Rake鈥檚 Progress. Hockney, one of the most significant artists of our generation, has long engaged with the paintings and engravings of 18th-century English artist William Hogarth. Hockney was particularly captivated by Hogarth鈥檚 series The Rake鈥檚 Progress, 1733, which chronicles the rise and fall of Tom Rakewell, the son and heir of a rich merchant, who squanders his money on luxurious living, prostitution, and gambling. After a trip to New York, Hockney produced his own interpretation of the story. Hockney鈥檚 A Rake鈥檚 Progress was published as a portfolio of 16 etchings in 1963 and is considered one of the high points of his early career.
In 1975, Hockney collaborated with director John Cox to create a new production of Igor Stravinsky鈥檚 opera based on Hogarth鈥檚 The Rake鈥檚 Progress. Hockney drew inspiration from the 18th-century master鈥檚 engravings, endowing the set designs and costumes with a linearity that speaks not only to the language of prints, but also to the modern angularity of Stravinsky鈥檚 score. The result is both playful and rigorous, a perfect blend of the aural and visual.
The exhibition is an exciting look into Hockney鈥檚 creative process. It will feature etchings, drawings, models, and watercolors that depict the 1975 opera鈥檚 set design from initial idea to final concept, offering a rare glimpse into working methods of one of England鈥檚 finest living artists.
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