The work of celebrated artist David Hockney is currently being given the AV treatment at Lightroom in London’s King’s Cross, with 28 Panasonic projectors displaying his works across walls and floor of the Lightroom’s huge, cavernous art space. Installation was lucky enough to attend the 50-minute David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) show whilst recharging my batteries ahead of IBC 2023, and can report that it is well worth a visit, with stunning audio and video doing justice to the amazing artwork.
The works of Hockney are beautifully reproduced thanks to 14x Panasonic PT-RQ22K 20,000 lumens, 4k resolution, 3-Chip DLP projectors across the walls of the space, with 14x Panasonic PT-RZ12K 12,000 lumens, HD resolution, 3-Chip DLP projectors handling the floor – with immersive storytelling by disguise. Hockney’s voice is heard throughout, with interviews from past and present utilised to help explain his creative process, and immersive sound from HOLOPLOT delivering crystal clear audio to accompany the still and moving images. The art comes to life as paintings are completed before attendees eyes via clever animation and the use of Hockney’s own iPad recordings of his process; and later animated representations of Hockney’s painted characters and creatures come to life across walls and floor.
The innovative Lightroom showspace was designed by 59 Productions in close collaboration with Haworth Tompkins, which designed the venue as a sister space to the award-winning Bridge Theatre. Lightroom is a joint venture between 59 Productions and London Theatre Company, and is partnered by HOLOPLOT and disguise.
