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© Copyrighted Artwork
This artwork is protected by copyright. We cannot display images of works by artists who passed away after 1954.
See the original at Tate Modern, London in London
A Bigger Splash
by David Hockney, 1967
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1967
- Medium
- Acrylic on canvas
- Size
- 242.5 cm × 243.9 cm
Cite or Embed This Work
APA · MLA · Chicago1-click academic citation and embeddable “On View” museum badge for articles, syllabi, and research.
David Hockney captured a California swimming pool at the moment a diver enters the water, though the diver has already disappeared. Only the white splash remains, frozen against the still blue water and geometric architecture. The painting took two weeks to complete, with the splash itself requiring days of detailed brushwork.
Hockney moved to Los Angeles in 1964, entranced by the light, pools, and casual lifestyle. This painting distills that fascination into a single suspended moment. The flat, bright colors and crisp geometry contrast with the chaotic splash, action frozen in sunshine. It became an icon of California cool.
The work at Tate Britain in London.
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About A Bigger Splash
The work at Tate Britain in London. It's one of Hockney's most famous works The acrylic on canvas work is part of their permanent collection.
The diver has already entered the water. Hockney shows only the splash, suggesting presence through absence.
The splash alone took about two weeks of detailed brushwork, while the rest of the work flat and smooth This work dates to 1967.
Hockney moved to Los Angeles in 1964 and became fascinated with the light, architecture, and pool culture. It defined his 1960s work This work dates to 1967.
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