David Hockney

Private Collection, London
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality of the water is much brighter and more vibrant in the original, with the greens tending more towards turquoise. Condition: This work is in very good condition. The sheet is attached to the backing board at intervals on the reverse. The work is comprised of two pieces of paper that are attached together. There are artist's pin holes in the top two corners. There are a number of unobtrusive handling creases; notably one in the top right hand corner, one towards the top of the left edge and another running horizontally above the centre of the composition. There are a few further tiny creases and minor paper inclusions to the top half of the figure. Upon close inspection, a very short tear is visible to the right extreme edge 10cm about the right corner.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present work is an extraordinary and rare study for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games poster designed by David Hockney. A striking composition which artfully combines the iconic Californian 'pool' paintings  of the late 1960s with the vibrant energy of a swimmer diving into rippling waters, the study embodies the stylised technique and compositional dynamism which characterise Hockney's very best works on paper.

Drawing for Hockney has always featured prominently in his artistic output. An artistic form which has equal status with other media, drawing remains a vital aspect of his work.  Executed as works in their own right, as studies for ideas or as brief sketches to expand a thought, Hockney produces drawings at every opportunity. The process of drawing allows him to experiment with style, tradition and the unfamiliar with astonishing diversity and invention.

The present work demonstrates Hockney's exceptional draftsmanship ability through the creation of a work of delicate beauty and deceptive simplicity. Through his innate spatial ability the artist transforms the traditional figure and ground composition into a complex network of sparkling fragmented shapes, executed in fluid strokes of his pencil. Hockney's unique use of flattened perspective highlights the viewer's alignment with the diver, bringing to the fore the dynamic action that is so lyrically conveyed in this masterful composition.