Image 498 David Hockney

The work presents a fragmented scene centered around a game of Scrabble. A wooden table dominates the composition, its surface reflecting light and acting as the focal point for the various photographic elements. The tabletop is cluttered with details: a partially completed Scrabble board displaying several tiles, a rack holding more letters, a plate containing what appears to be food, and scattered playing pieces.
Around this central activity, numerous smaller photographs are arranged in an irregular collage format against a pale blue background. These images depict individuals engaged in various activities – some appear to be laughing, others concentrating intently on the game, while still others seem caught mid-conversation or gesture. A small photograph of a dog is also included, positioned near the edge of the table.
The arrangement of these photographic fragments creates a sense of disjunction and simultaneity. The viewer is presented with multiple perspectives and moments frozen in time, suggesting a layered narrative beyond the immediate act of playing Scrabble. Theres an intentional disruption of linear storytelling; instead, we are offered glimpses into a larger social context surrounding this game.
The inclusion of handwritten text at the bottom – The Scrabble Game Los Angeles Jan 1963 – provides contextual information while also contributing to the work’s overall aesthetic. The lettering is informal and slightly obscured, further reinforcing the sense of fragmented memory and personal documentation.
Subtly, the composition hints at themes of domesticity, leisure, and social interaction. However, the fractured nature of the presentation prevents a straightforward interpretation. Instead, it invites contemplation on the complexities of human relationships and the fleeting nature of shared experiences. The overall effect is one of casual intimacy combined with an underlying sense of detachment or observation.