David Hockney & British Pop Art

Special Exhibition Marking the 140th Anniversary of Korea–UK Diplomatic Relations, <1960s Swinging London>

On view through July 2 at Exhibition Hall 1, Basement Level 2, DDP Museum

An exhibition featuring works by David Hockney, one of Britain's most representative artists, alongside works by 14 artists who led the early British Pop Art movement is running through July 2 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (hereinafter DDP).

Although American Pop artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein are regarded as the movement's leading masters, in the history of modern art the origins of Pop Art are known to lie in Britain. British artist Richard Hamilton's 1956 work <Just What Is It That Makes Today's Homes So Different, So Appealing?> is said to be the beginning of Pop Art. This exhibition presents works that tell the fascinating story of early British Pop Art.

The exhibition is divided into 10 sections, ranging from works of the 1960s 'Swinging London' era that formed the backdrop to the rise of British Pop Art, to works by 'David Hockney,' the most beloved British painter of the period. Structured in an archival format that lets visitors view not only the works but also the source materials that shaped them, the show also offers a glimpse into the spirit of the times.

The first section, 'Swinging London,' presents works that challenged traditional values and attitudes as young British artists, amid the dynamic social atmosphere of the early 1960s, drew popular culture such as advertising, film, and photography into the realm of art. Their bold and colorful works not only defined an era but continue to inspire today's popular culture and art world.

'British Pop Artists' introduces works by the 14 Pop artists who led British Pop Art—including legendary British figures such as Peter Blake, Alan Aldridge, and Derek Boshier—and tells the story of the 1960s British Pop Art movement.

'Swimming Pool' and 'David Hockney and Water' are exhibition spaces devoted to water, a subject the artist loved. Water appears frequently in Hockney's work. He gives water form to convey a variety of meanings. In particular, 'Swimming Pool,' one of his signature works, maximizes the symbolism of water. In this work, water symbolizes the energy and movement of life, and the cycle of human existence. For this exhibition, 'Swimming Pool' has been transformed into a special photo zone that makes visitors feel as though they are inside a pool.

Also on view are works created in collaboration with the British mass media of the 1960s. Made using subjects drawn from popular culture and everyday life, these works offer a new perspective on art and culture, consumption and popular culture, while also conveying critical messages about the social reputation of Pop Art at the time and about various institutions.

Yoo Chang-won, CEO of XCI, which organized the exhibition, said, "The works of David Hockney—part of the history of modern art—and of Britain's legendary Pop artists continue to influence new generations even now, more than 60 years later, and we hope they will convey the dynamic energy of 'Swinging London' here in Seoul in 2023."

David Hockney &amp; British Pop Art

David Hockney & British Pop Art