Hockney: The Biography Volume 2 Paperback – 26 Jan. 2017

In a manner as wholly engaging as that he employed so successfully in Volume 1, Christopher Simon Sykes charts Hockney's relentless pursuit of Art, in its many guises, from the mid '70s up until the monumental Royal Academy exhibition of 2012. The pace of Sykes's writing admirably matches that of his subject's artistic endeavours. The latter are beautifully framed - and subtlely contrasted - with the sometimes chaotic, and often tragic, lives of the disparate characters who inhabit the fringes of Hockney's world. For central to any understanding of Hockney's life is the bald fact that almost nothing matters to him more than his art. If there is one exception to this it is surely his mother, the wonderful Laura. Revealed mainly through her diary entries and letters, her every step across the gaudily lit stage of her son's eventful life is as compelling as the very best that Alan Bennett might devise.As Sykes is always ready to admit, opinion as to exactly where Hockney figures in the pantheon of international art is still sharply divided. And as with most, if not all, biographies of artists, more illustrations would make it easier for the readers of this elegantly designed book to make up their own minds. It is greatly to Sykes's credit that at no point does he impose his own views on us through the text. What cannot be questioned is Hockney's versatility as an artist. As a printmaker, painter, designer for the stage and innovative user of new technologies, he continues to inspire.

Joyful account of this joyful soul.

GOOD

Great book for Hockney fans

Bought as a gift - well received

All good thanks.

Great book, but first 15 pages were missing ……. I did buy 'used' but you expect all the pages to be there

Excellent book captures Hockney

This book is a great jumping off point for further research about David Hockney, his art and the many people in his life. Sykes tells Hockney's story in such direct, interesting writing, I never wanted the book to end. There are four sections of color plates, plus monochrome photos and illustrations in the text. The book is very well researched, with footnotes, list of sources and a full index. I recommend this book as a companion piece to the film Hockney: Seeing Beauty.

For those interested in Hockney and/or art in the modern/contemporary period, this book would certainly satisfy.