After an unexpected hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Portrait Gallery in London is all set to reopen its doors to art enthusiasts on November 2, showcasing the renowned artist David Hockney’s works in the exhibition titled “Drawing from Life.” Among the captivating new additions to the collection, a striking portrait of the charismatic singer Harry Styles takes center stage, capturing the essence of the music icon in true Hockney style.
The journey to immortalize the former One Direction star began when David Hockney spent two days at his studio in Normandy last May, meticulously capturing every detail of Styles’ enigmatic persona. The result is an acrylic on canvas masterpiece that showcases Styles seated gracefully in a cane chair, donning a vibrant yellow and red striped cardigan, blue jeans, a white undershirt, accessorized with rings and a pearl necklace around his neck. Hockney skillfully rendered the singer’s “unmistakable tousled fringe,” giving life to the very essence of the pop sensation.
Surprisingly, at the time of their meeting, David Hockney was not fully aware of Harry Styles’ celebrity status. In an interview with British Vogue, the artist remarked, “He was just another person who came to the studio.” Nevertheless, Hockney’s admiration for Styles’ artistry grew as the singer donned a pair of hand-painted Bode corduroy pants featuring an illustration of Hockney by artist Aayushia Khowala for a Vogue cover shoot in 2020.
The admiration proved mutual, as Harry Styles expressed his privilege and gratitude for being captured by the legendary artist. “David Hockney has been reinventing the way we look at the world for decades,” Styles said. “It was a complete privilege to be painted by him.”
Interestingly, the connection between Hockney and Styles was facilitated by another music industry titan, producer Clive Davis. Davis had posed for a portrait by Hockney, and he suggested Styles visit the artist’s studio. Upon receiving an invitation, Styles responded eagerly and sat for the portrait, marking a new chapter in his artistic journey.
Hockney’s process of painting Styles was refreshingly simple. “Everybody just came to sit,” he revealed, though he later admitted, “Now I know Harry’s a celebrity, though: I’ve seen all his music videos.”
Aside from Styles and Davis, “Drawing From Life” offers visitors a glimpse into Hockney’s extensive body of work spanning six decades. The exhibition features portraits of five sitters, including his mother, Celia Birtwell, Gregory Evans, Maurice Payne, and even a self-portrait of the artist himself. The diverse array of mediums and styles on display exemplify Hockney’s ability to captivate audiences with his distinct artistic vision.
To witness this extraordinary collection and the striking portrayal of Harry Styles by David Hockney, art enthusiasts can obtain timed tickets to the exhibition online for £21 ($26.71 USD). With the National Portrait Gallery reopening its doors, this eagerly anticipated display promises to be a celebration of art, celebrity, and the essence of human existence.