Celia, 1984 is a charcoal-sketched paper drawing by David Hockney (b. 1937), one of the prominent artists to emerge in Britain in the 1960s. This drawing portrays Celia Birtwell, a renowned fashion designer who served as Hockney’s muse. The artwork captures Birtwell in a graceful pose, showcasing her curly short hair at the age of 43. Despite its minimalist style, the drawing effectively conveys Birtwell’s gestures and expressions.
David Hockney is a highly regarded English contemporary artist known for his specialisation in Pop Art. Even in his 80s, he remains active and continues to contribute to the art world. His deep understanding of photography and architecture is evident in the landscapes depicted in his paintings. He embraces new technology, such as iPad, to create his artwork. Hockney is recognised for his personal approach to art and has often created homoerotic artworks. Interestingly, he declined a request from the Queen to paint a portrait for her.
A significant retrospective of Hockney’s work, organised by the Tate Britain, the Centre Pompidou, and the Metropolitan Museum, acknowledges the artist’s extensive career that continues to this day.