David Hockney: Secret Knowledge (TV 2003)

Artist David Hockney discusses his theory that artists were secretly using optical devices such as mirrors and lenses in creating their work as early as the 15th century. Examples from ... See full summary »

Director:

Randall Wright

Stars:

David Hockney

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview:
David Hockney	...	Himself

Storyline

Artist David Hockney discusses his theory that artists were secretly using optical devices such as mirrors and lenses in creating their work as early as the 15th century. Examples from Flemish and Italian art are studied as he examines how famous paintings have had their noted mysteries newly solved; he also makes comparisons to modern film and digital imagery.

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Plot Keywords:

art | art history

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

March 2003 (Canada)

Filming Locations:

Brugge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

User Reviews

A great documentary, about the historical changes in the art world.

David Hockney demonstrates how the painting masters of the past, secretly started using devices and instruments to enhance the aesthetics of their paintings. Hockney not only discovers this concept, he also demonstrates it, which allows us to grasp the technical side.

Being a Photography student i found this documentary to be excellent.

Using famous and not so famous paintings from different periods in art history, you get an informative crash course while also learning about Hockney's discovery.

I am not a big fan of Hockney's work, but that doesn't matter because this film has nothing to do with it. It only directs it's attention to the masters of the past. Hockney simply does some quick sketches to demonstrate his theory. A well researched and educational film, 9 out of 10.