Abstract:

"Hockney invites the viewer on a magical journey down a legendary 72-foot-long 17th-century Chinese scroll. As he unrolls the richly detailed painting, Hockney traces the Emperor Kangxi's grand tour of his southern domains. the bustling streets and waterfronts of 300 years ago come alive in 'mom-and-pop' dumpling shops, fishmongers hawking their wares, and bonsai vendors pruning trees. Comparing the work with a Canaletto painting and a later scroll, Hockney spins a dazzling discourse on Eastern and Western perspectives and their relationship to his own artistic vision. Hockney's trip through one of China's most magnificent artworks is a joyous adventure."