I enjoyed visiting the Lightroom at Lewis Cubitt Square in Kings Cross, London N1C, where the mesmerising David Hockney exhibition titled Bigger and Closer (not smaller and further away) was displayed. The cutting-edge venue encourages you to sit, allowing the art to envelop your body as it graces the walls and floors. If you’re looking for art exhibitions in Kings Cross or the best things to do in London N1C, the Lightroom is an unmissable immersive experience.
Inside the David Hockney Bigger and Closer Exhibition
Hockney embarks into six decades of artistic evolution by leveraging grand projections in a novel environment. The Lightroom’s expansive walls and state-of-the-art sound system provide an immersive gateway into Hockney’s world. Spanning from LA to Yorkshire and culminating in present-day Normandy, this exhibition is divided into themed segments. Hockney is the narrator, accompanied by an evocative score from Nico Muhly.
Some memorable highlights include being privy to Hockney’s insights about perspective, which I found particularly interesting and educational.
You witness how Hockney captures the vibrancy of spring on his iPad while the camera shows his process.
I enjoyed his commentary about painting swimming pools in LA, particularly his explanation about capturing the water ripples on the pool’s surface.
Hockney demonstrates why the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon can only be authentically rendered in paint rather than photographs.
Additionally, we’re treated to an exhilarating ride through Hockney’s audio-visual Wagner Drive, surging through the San Gabriel Mountains.
The show finishes with a peek into the opera via animated depictions of his theatrical designs.
I found the exhibition to be both engaging and creatively stimulating. It was a pleasure to hear the voice and thoughts of the artist, which was much more rewarding than staring at a canvas. I have a short attention span, so I’m a fast viewer when visiting art galleries or museums. This isn’t great if I’m with a friend because I’ve finished within a few minutes while they are still pondering the first painting!
It was nice to sit down and be entertained by art. The kids enjoyed the experience because they could move around, many dancing to the music and trying to jump on the moving images. The show is fifty minutes long, which didn’t seem too long and kept my attention throughout. I’d recommend going if you love art, technology and new experiences.
Watch My David Hockney Exhibition At Lightroom Kings Cross Video
Helpful Information About Lightroom Kings Cross
For more information, go to the Lightroom website. Their address is 12 Cubitt Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 5DY, about eight minutes from Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations. Adult tickets start from £25 and increase depending on the time you attend. Students and under 18s from £15 and under 5s go free. Younger children need to be supervised. The show lasts 50 minutes and runs until 3 December 2023. There are toilets at the entrance of the exhibition and a small gift shop. You’ll find a bar and snacks by St John in the foyer.
While you are in the area, these articles may be of interest:
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Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
