Sky Arts is to make a new series of programmes about Yorkshire artist, David Hockney.
Celebrating David Hockney (working title) will be edited and presented by Melvyn Bragg [pictured] and produced by Directors Cut Productions.
Described as a “unique and unrivalled look” at his life and work, the shows are due to air later in the year.
“David Hockney is one of the most remarkable artists this country has ever had,” said Bragg.
“In his mid-eighties he’s still working flat out, and he’s had over 400 exhibitions. This celebration brings the essence of that together in what we hope will be a defining programme about David’s work and his ideas about art.”
The series will cover the many eras and aspects of Hockney’s work through interviews, archive footage and looking back at his development as an artist.
It will explore his early days in Bradford and time as a student at the RCA in London. Production will then move to Los Angeles, where in the 1960s he produced some of his most famous and popular pieces, including the swimming pool series.
Hockney will also have a sit-down with Melvyn Bragg for a definitive interview filmed over a period of four hours.
“It’s a rare privilege to have access to an artist who has remained at the height of his powers well into his 80s,” added Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts, Sky.
“This definitive series on David Hockney, brilliantly authored and illuminated by Melvyn Bragg, promises to be an eye-opening treat for art lovers as we uncover the process of a true legend.”
