Let’s imagine an artwork on iPad, use digital brushes and pencils…
David Hockney, born in 1937 in Bradford, England, is celebrated for his contributions to the pop art movement of the 1960s. However, unlike many artists of his generation who remained tied to traditional media, Hockney has consistently explored new technologies. His interest in digital tools began with the use of Polaroid cameras and fax machines during the 1980s and 1990s, evolving into more sophisticated digital devices like the iPad and graphics software in the late 2000s.
Hockney’s iPad art came into the limelight with his 2010 exhibition, "David Hockney: Fresh Flowers," which featured over 200 drawings created using the Brushes app on his iPhone and iPad. The exhibition was groundbreaking, not only showcasing the potential of digital tools in fine art but also affirming the iPad as a legitimate medium for artistic expression. In some interviews, he has noted how the device allows him to work quickly and intuitively, capturing the fleeting changes in light and landscape with a speed that traditional painting cannot match. His series of sunrise landscapes and portraits created on the iPad are exemplary of this, demonstrating his ability to harness digital technology to extend his visual language. One of the remarkable aspects of Hockney’s iPad art is its vibrant color palette and the distinctive brushstroke effects that he achieves through digital means. This has allowed him to maintain his unique style—vivid and dynamic, yet deeply attentive to detail and form—while transitioning between mediums. His digital works continue to exhibit all the hallmarks of his earlier acrylic and watercolor paintings, proving that the artist’s signature style transcends the medium.
David Hockney’s embracement of iPad art has significant implications for the digital artwork market. Firstly, it serves to legitimize digital tools as a serious medium within the traditionally conservative fine arts community. An artist of Hockney’s stature using digital platforms challenges preconceived notions about what constitutes “real” art and opens the market to new forms and media.
Secondly, Hockney’s digital works have influenced the valuation of digital art. While the digital art market is relatively young, the entry of established artists like Hockney can lead to increased collector interest and higher valuations. For instance, Hockney’s digital artworks, though initially seen as less valuable than his physical paintings, have begun to be appreciated as serious collectibles. Auctions and sales of digital art have seen a noticeable increase, with works by other digital artists beginning to fetch higher prices in the wake of Hockney’s success.
According to a report by the Hiscox Online Art Trade Report, online sales of art and antiques reached an estimated $4.82 billion in 2019, up 4% from the previous year, with digital art constituting a growing segment of this market. The report suggests that younger collectors are particularly open to purchasing digital art, indicating a significant shift in how art is consumed and collected.
Moreover, the rise of blockchain technology and the introduction of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have further transformed the digital art landscape. NFTs, which allow for the certification of ownership and authenticity of digital files, have exploded in popularity, with sales reaching into millions of dollars for single pieces of digital art. This technological shift has created new opportunities for artists and collectors alike, redefining the economics of art in the digital age.
David Hockney’s foray into digital art via his iPad paintings has not only expanded his own artistic boundaries but also contributed to reshaping the art market. His success with digital tools challenges traditional definitions of art, encourages other artists to explore digital media, and influences market dynamics and perceptions. As digital and traditional art markets continue to converge, Hockney’s work remains a critical bridge, linking past artistic traditions with future possibilities. His continued impact on the field underscores the potential of digital tools to not only complement but also revolutionize the visual arts.