DAVID HOCKNEY (1937- ) METROPOLITAN OPERA / PARADE. 1981. 80x40 inches, 203x101 1/2 cm. Petersburg Press. Condition B+: tears, creases and abrasions in margins and image. Paper. Framed. David Hockney, who is admired and collected as a contemporary artist, made brilliant contributions to the world of opera, as a stage and costume designer. He also designed numerous posters. Beginning in 1975 with his work for Stravinksy's The Rakes Progress, until 1990 when he worked on Turandot, Hockney worked for the major opera houses. Among his most memorable productions were Mozart's Magic Flute and Wagner's Tristan and Isolde. His collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera on Eric Satie's Parade is best remembered for this poster. The image, with Hockney's neo-pop décor and costumes, showcases a juggler whose contortions fit eye-catchingly into the poster's elongated format. If the opera itself is not so popular, this image has become a classic. Hockney 94.
