ast May, it turns out, David Hockney painted Harry Styles in his Normandy studio. The result of the two day sitting has now been revealed – and it’s dividing fans.
Vogue documented the encounter, saying, “the pair struck up an instant rapport”, and describing the portrait as “special”. They added that the painting will be the “crown jewel” of the National Portrait Gallery’s upcoming Hockney exhibition Drawing From Life, which will open on November 2. The exhibition first opened in February 2020, but had to close down just weeks later amid the arrival of the pandemic.
Others, however, have found the painting more amusing. For some, the portrait bears little resemblance to Styles. Sure, there’s the singer’s bright striped cardigan, trademark quiff and string of pearls. But the face itself? Inarguably, it’s less of a carbon copy.
“I wouldn’t have guessed this was Harry. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” said one commentator on Twitter. “Looks more like Edwards Scissorhands,” said another.
Harry Styles by David Hockney
/ PAMeanwhile, other Styles and Hockney fans defended the collaboration: “Real artists paint what they see with their soul,” said one.
For Hockney, Vogue said, “the goal was merely to capture the essence of the person in front of him”, which may explain the artist’s flourishes.
A fan agreed: “Y’all are really out here shitting on David Hockney’s painting of Harry bc y’all expect an artist who is mostly known for his Pop art and cubism work to draw realism?? Pls, just say you know nothing about art and go??”
“He’s not a traditional portrait painter,” said Sarah Howgate, the National Portrait Gallery’s senior curator of contemporary collections.
Here, we look at some some of the internet’s best reactions to the new painting.
There are those who have been enjoying the link up
There are those who are astonished, amused, or perplexed
And then there are those who have been defending the painting
David Hockney, Drawing from Life, November 2 to January 21, 2024; npg.org.uk