David Hockney, Hockney Paints the Stage (Signed and inscribed to Walker Museum trustees), 1983

David Hockney

Hockney Paints the Stage (Signed and inscribed to Walker Museum trustees), 1983

Original acrylic, watercolor and ink painting done on title page of monograph (Signed and inscribed by David Hockney; also signed and inscribed by then-director of the Walker Art Museum, Martin Friedman)

Signed and dedicated in ink by David Hockney to the Walker Museum Trustees Harriet and Ed Spencer; signed & inscribed by the Museum director

Unique

Frame included

This work is elegantly floated and framed in a museum quality wood frame under UV plexiglass.
Measurements:
Framed
16.5 inches (vertical) by 26 inches (horizontal) by 2.5 inches
Artwork:
10.5 inches (vertical) by 20.5 inches (horizontal)

Provenance
Estate of Harriet & Ed Spencer, former Trustees of the Walker Art Center

This original, signed and inscribed David Hockney painting on paper is a unique and memorable work, with special history from Hockney's storied career: it is not only hand signed and inscribed by David Hockney, it has also been signed and inscribed by Martin Friedman - the Walker Museum's legendary former Director. The work is done in ink, gouache and watercolor, depicting an entire stage set spreading across the bound two-page title page of the hardback monograph "Hockney Paints the Stage", published by Abbeville Press. The painting features a man doing a dance routine amongst a very detailed theatrical background complete with green costumed figures - just like the one depicted on the front cover of the book. Hockney dedicates this painting "For Harriet and Ed", and signs it in ink. Harriet and Ed Spencer are former heads of the Board of Trustees of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. But there's more. To the left of the painting, on the top left corner, the work is also, exceptionally signed and inscribed in ink by the monograph's author- the legendary Martin Friedman, the longtime Director of the Walker Art Center - who, over the course of three decades, famously helped turn the Walker into a world class institution. Look him up and you will find photograph after photograph of Friedman alongside art world luminaries of the 20th century. Like Hockney, Martin Friedman has inscribed this book to Harriet and Ed Spencer, former leading members of the Walker's Board of Trustees. In his effusive inscription, Friedman credits the Spencers "enthusiastic support" of the historic Hockney Paints the Stage project with making it happen at the Walker. Superb provenance with the extra dedication by the director of the Walker, Martin Friedman. This painting is indeed a piece of modern art history; a true collectors item - and a fine conversation piece. It is a must-have for any dedicated fan or collector of David Hockney, and for bibliophiles enamored by artworks held in books - this special Hockney painting is the ultimate collectible.