Not currently on display at the V&A

Photography is Dead. Long Live Painting

Photograph
1995 (made)
Artist/Maker
Hockney, David (photographer)
Place of origin
USA (made)

This work playfully examines the illusion and traditions of both painting and photography. A ‘real’ vase of sunflowers, undoubtedly referencing Van Gogh, sits next to a painted version arranged to appear in correct perspective for the camera. In a further twist, the photograph is printed on watercolour paper. Although Hockney’s title seems to denounce photography, the work ironically relies on the camera for its execution.


Object details

Category
Photographs
Object type
Photograph
TitlePhotography is Dead. Long Live Painting (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Digital inkjet print
Paper
Ink Jet Printing
Brief description
Photograph by David Hockney, 'Photography is Dead. Long Live Painting', inkjet print, September 26, 1995
Physical description
Colour photograph depicting a real vase of sunflowers next to a gouache painting of the same flowers.
Dimensions
  • Height: 886mm
  • Width: 1105mm
Production typeLimited edition
Marks and inscriptions
Signed and dated in pencil 'David Hockney 95' Numbered in pencil '35' 'Sunflowers for Jonathon / get / we / soon / love / DAVID / H.'
Gallery label
  • David Hockney has often used photography alongside drawing and painting to question the nature of perception. In this image he playfully examines the illusion and traditions of painting and photography side by side: a 'real' vase of sunflowers, undoubtedly referencing Van Gogh, sits next to a painted version arranged to appear in correct perspective for the camera. A further twist in the visual pun is provided by printing the photograph on watercolour paper. Despite the work's title, denouncing photography, it ironically relies on the camera for its execution.(2008-2009)
  • This work playfully examines the illusion and traditions of both painting and photography. A ‘real’ vase of sunflowers, undoubtedly referencing Van Gogh, sits next to a painted version arranged to appear in correct perspective for the camera. In a further twist, the photograph is printed on watercolour paper. Although Hockney’s title seems to denounce photography, the work ironically relies on the camera for its execution.(11/08/2011-27/11/2011)
Credit line
Given by the Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust
Production
Attribution note: 9/45
Subjects depicted
Sunflowers
Vase
Paintings
Summary
This work playfully examines the illusion and traditions of both painting and photography. A ‘real’ vase of sunflowers, undoubtedly referencing Van Gogh, sits next to a painted version arranged to appear in correct perspective for the camera. In a further twist, the photograph is printed on watercolour paper. Although Hockney’s title seems to denounce photography, the work ironically relies on the camera for its execution.
Bibliographic references
  • Victoria and Albert Museum Department of Prints, Drawings and Paintings Accession Register for 1997
  • Haworth-Booth, Mark. Photography: An Independent Art. London, 1997. p.200, p.87
Collection
Prints, Drawings & Paintings Collection
Accession number
E.516-1997

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 7, 2007
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O131404/photography-is-dead-long-live-photograph-hockney-david/
Download as: JSON