Image 501 David Hockney

The work presents a composite arrangement of photographic fragments assembled into a cruciform structure against a pale pink background. The central motif is a man, seemingly elderly, consistently depicted wearing dark sunglasses and appearing in various stages of lighting a cigar. These fragmented portraits are arranged so that the viewer witnesses a sequence: first, the man’s profile with his eyes obscured by the glasses; then, a close-up as he prepares to light the cigar; followed by an image capturing him inhaling from it; and finally, another profile shot, this time with smoke emanating from his mouth.
The arrangement of these images within the cross shape immediately introduces layers of symbolic complexity. The repeated presence of the man’s face, fractured across multiple panels, suggests a deconstruction of identity or perhaps an exploration of different facets of a single persona. The act of lighting and smoking a cigar – a gesture often associated with contemplation, indulgence, and even defiance – is presented as a ritualistic process, emphasized by its sequential depiction.
At the base of the cross, a glass of wine is positioned. This element adds another layer to the overall atmosphere; it suggests conviviality, relaxation, and perhaps a sense of luxury or decadence. The pink background provides a neutral backdrop that allows the photographic elements to dominate, while also contributing to an understated elegance.
The subtexts within this work are open to interpretation. One could read it as a commentary on mortality – the man’s age and the ritualistic nature of his actions hinting at the passage of time. Alternatively, the cross shape might suggest a questioning or re-evaluation of established beliefs or traditions, with the individuals actions representing a personal rebellion against societal norms. The obscured eyes behind the sunglasses could symbolize a deliberate detachment from external scrutiny or an inward focus on private thoughts and experiences. Ultimately, the work invites contemplation about identity, ritual, and the complexities of human existence.