David Hockney
(1984 - 1986) 


Moving Focus Series

David Hockney’s Moving Focus series, 1984–1986, comprises of 26 lithographs exploring interiors, portraits, and architectural spaces through shifting viewpoints. Created with printer Kenneth Tyler, the series reflects David Hockney’s interest in multipoint perspective, moving beyond traditional composition to capture the experience of being within a space. Key works such as The Perspective Lesson and Hotel Acatlán: Second Day highlight the series’ importance within Hockney’s printmaking career.
 
In Moving Focus, David Hockney challenges the single-point perspective that has defined Western art since the Renaissance, instead constructing compositions that shift across multiple viewpoints. Influenced by Cubism and his work in opera set design, he presents space as something fluid and experienced over time rather than fixed and static. This approach was further shaped by his encounter with Chinese scroll paintings during a trip in 1981, where images unfold gradually across extended horizontal formats.

An Image of Gregory, 1984-85
Lithograph printed in colours with collage additions on two sheets of TGL handmade paper
82.7 cm × 66.5 cm, 116.7 cm × 90.6 cm
Edition of 75 plus 18 artist's proofs
https://geistmc.com/our-artists/david-hockney/moving-focus/