Tate Modern to Celebrate David Hockney's 90th Birthday with Opera Set Exhibition

In 2027, Tate Modern's Turbine Hall will host a significant exhibition featuring the opera sets designed by David Hockney for productions of Mozart, Wagner, and Stravinsky, marking the artist's 90th birthday. This immersive experience will showcase Hockney's work from the 1970s, including his pop-art aesthetic in productions like Richard Strauss’s *Die Frau ohne Schatten*. Hockney, who has designed a total of 11 opera sets over 17 years, expressed his motivation for this venture simply: “I wanted to design operas because I want to have something to look at.”

The Guardian

The exhibition is part of a broader celebration at Tate, which includes a retrospective of Sonia Boyce, the first major presentation of Tudor art in 30 years, and a Monet show titled *Painting Time*. This Monet exhibition will focus on the artist's dedication to capturing the essence of his garden in Normandy, even as he faced the challenges of declining eyesight. Curator Catherine Wood emphasized the immersive nature of Monet's work, stating, “What comes across is how embodied and how immersed he was in cultivating the garden and then capturing it.”

The Guardian

The announcement of the 2027 program coincides with a leadership transition at Tate, as Maria Balshaw departs after nine years. Karin Hindsbo will oversee the institution until a new director is appointed, a decision that requires approval from the prime minister. Hindsbo remarked on the significance of the upcoming exhibitions, stating, “This is an exhibition programme that only Tate could deliver. It spans the centuries... and reflects a deep appreciation of artists themselves.”

The Guardian

While the exhibitions celebrate Hockney's contributions to the arts, some critics may argue that focusing on high-profile artists like Hockney and Monet overshadows emerging talents and diverse voices in contemporary art. This perspective highlights the ongoing debate about representation and inclusivity within major art institutions.

The Guardian

As Tate prepares for these landmark exhibitions, the art community anticipates the impact of Hockney's retrospective and the immersive opera set experience. The *David Hockney* retrospective at Tate Britain will run from October 7, 2027, to February 20, 2028, further solidifying Hockney's legacy in the art world.

Tate Modern Turbine Hall To Host Huge Hockney Show In 2027The Guardian

• “I wanted to design operas because I want to have something to look at,” — David Hockney

The Guardian

• “What comes across is how embodied and how immersed he was in cultivating the garden and then capturing it,” — Catherine Wood

The Guardian

• “Hindsbo said: “This is an exhibition programme that only Tate could deliver.” — Karin Hindsbo

The Guardian