Step into David Hockney’s world and experience art like never before

After a stellar run at London’s Lightroom, this groundbreaking production can now be seen in Manchester until January 25th, 2025 at Factory International.

Set within the cavernous space of Factory International’s warehouse, this exhibition is a masterclass in innovation, artistry, and storytelling—a celebration of six decades of Hockney’s artistic evolution.

For lifelong admirers and newcomers, the show is more than just an exhibition—it’s a journey inside the mind of the artist. Across six themed chapters, the audience is immersed in Hockney’s iconic works, alongside lesser-known pieces and newly created gems. 

Featuring David Hockney’s commentary paired with an original score by Nico Muhly and directed by Mark Grimmer of 59 Productions, the show is as personal as it is visionary.

Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) at Factory International

At its core, Bigger & Closer is a love letter to the act of seeing. Hockney’s lifelong fascination with the possibilities of new media is vibrantly expressed through cutting-edge projection systems. 

The show invites visitors to see the world through his eyes: experimenting with perspective, exploring photography as a way of ‘drawing with a camera,’ and capturing the passage of time in his Polaroid collages. 

From the joyous bloom of spring captured on his iPad to the monumental vastness of the Grand Canyon rendered in paint, the exhibition illuminates Hockney’s relentless drive to innovate.

Mark Grimmer

“David’s philosophy is about finding beauty in the world if we’re prepared to look carefully,” explained Mark Grimmer. “The show aims to invite people not just to look closely at his work but to come away thinking about the world afresh—to look at it differently.”

The chapters unfold with an impressive array of works, blending Hockney’s most famous creations with preparatory materials, animations, and commentary that feel both intimate and expansive. The scale of the projections allows visitors to engage with the art in unprecedented ways. 

As Mark says: “We’re able to let David’s voice guide audiences directly, combining works that wouldn’t normally be seen together and offering a unique context for looking at his art.”

From LA to Yorkshire

The thematic journey reflects Hockney’s nomadic life, spanning the glamour of Los Angeles, the pastoral beauty of Yorkshire and the quietude of Normandy. Each locale is not just a place but a lens through which Hockney has redefined his approach to art.

In Normandy, for instance, he spent time exploring the rhythms of nature, creating works that feel both intimate and universal. Meanwhile, his iPad drawings highlight his ability to embrace new tools with the same fervour and mastery as traditional media.

This commitment to innovation is central to Hockney’s appeal. From his early experiments with photography to his groundbreaking iPhone and iPad paintings, Hockney has consistently challenged conventions, often setting the trends that others follow. In Bigger & Closer, the immersive format becomes yet another medium through which Hockney expresses his boundless creativity.

David Hockney’s voice

One of the most striking elements of the exhibition is the presence of Hockney’s voice. His commentary, layered over the visuals, adds a deeply personal dimension to the experience. His insights reveal the joy and curiosity that drive his work—qualities that resonate across generations and make his art accessible to all.

“It’s very hard not to be moved and inspired by David’s positive outlook,” Mark reflected. “I’ve watched three-year-old kids and ninety-year-old art experts equally captivated. His passion for making pictures is contagious and I hope the show inspires people to pick up a pencil or a paintbrush themselves.”

This intergenerational appeal is no accident. The show is designed to be as inclusive as possible, with affordable ticket options and access initiatives that reflect Factory International’s commitment to reaching diverse audiences.

Tickets start at £20, with £10 Aviva tickets available for Manchester communities. Children under 14 can attend with an adult, and kids under two enter for free, ensuring the experience is accessible to families.

Stunning detail from state of the art technology

The technical aspects of Bigger & Closer are as impressive as its artistic vision. The state-of-the-art projection system uses a media server that seamlessly maps high-resolution images to the space. With over twenty projectors in play, the visuals are rendered in stunning detail, allowing audiences to examine Hockney’s brushstrokes and techniques up close.

“The system doesn’t modify the work but offers new tools to engage with it,” Mark explained. “The vivid colours and large-scale projections create a microscopic view that does make you appreciate the brilliance of his skill.”

The exhibition also challenges conventional notions of perspective. By forcing the audience to move and look around the space actively, the show privileges what Hockney calls the ‘moving eye.’ This approach encourages viewers to think about perspective in new ways, blending European and Chinese traditions and redefining how we experience space in art.

“A celebration of Joy”

Ultimately, Bigger & Closer is a celebration of joy. Whether it’s the exuberance of spring, the play of light across a swimming pool or the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, Hockney’s art radiates a love for life. This infectious positivity is at the heart of the exhibition, and it’s what makes it so universally appealing.

“David’s work is joyful, and I think the show captures that sense of joy,” said Mark. “I hope people learn something new about his work, which has touched so many mediums over 60 years and maybe feel inspired to see the world differently or create something themselves.”

The Future of Art Exhibitions?

While Bigger & Closer represents a bold step forward in how we experience art, Mark is quick to point out that it’s not a replacement for traditional museum visits. “I don’t think there’s a binary choice between traditional exhibitions and shows like ours,” he said. “There’s room for both, and for plenty more approaches we’ve yet to discover.”

This perspective underscores the unique nature of the show. Unlike other immersive experiences, which sometimes prioritise spectacle over substance, Bigger & Closer is rooted in Hockney’s artistic vision. 

The medium serves the artist, not the other way around, making the exhibition a true extension of Hockney’s work.

Hockney’s gratitude

Reflecting on the Manchester run, Hockney himself shared his enthusiasm: “I’m very happy that my exhibition is going to Factory International in Manchester and that more people in the UK will be able to see my pictures bigger & closer than before. LOVE LIFE DH.”

This simple yet profound sentiment captures the essence of Hockney’s art and the exhibition itself. It’s an invitation to celebrate life, see beauty in the every day, and embrace the boundless possibilities of creativity.

Tickets for David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) at Factory International

For art lovers and the curious alike, Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) is a must-see event. It’s a rare opportunity to step inside the mind of one of Britain’s most beloved artists, to see the world through his eyes and to come away inspired.

You can get tickets by clicking here