SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL™ TO AIR DEFINITIVE FEATURE
DOCUMENTARY ON THE LIFE OF A VISIONARY ARTIST

HOCKNEY

PREMIERING MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 AT 8/7C

New York, November 17, 2016 – HOCKNEY, the definitive two-hour documentary on one of the most significant artists of our time, gets its world television premiere on Smithsonian Channel, Monday, December 12 at 8/7c. For the first time David Hockney has given access to his personal archive of photographs and films, and the result is an unparalleled visual diary of an unconventional artist who is now reaching new peaks of popularity worldwide.  

David Hockney, at 79, is as charismatic as ever, working in the studio seven days a week and his paintings are selling for increasing amounts. The current Hockney auction record is $7.9 million, but it is speculated that it could be well-surpassed at the Sotheby’s New York contemporary art auction on November 17. 

HOCKNEY not only explores the artist’s success but also reveals the private struggles he has faced with his relocation to Hollywood from Yorkshire, England; the relationship that broke his heart; and the tragic AIDS plague that took the life of most of his friends. Hockney says that he lost nearly two thirds of his friends to AIDS: “When I think of all those people, New York would be different…if they hadn’t died, there would be Bohemia still.” This intimate unearthing of deep and personal issues makes his optimism and adventurous spirit truly inspiring. 

“It’s been said that there was something of the holiday about David Hockney, that, despite personal loss, he sees the world with holiday eyes, as if for the first time,” said Randall Wright, Director of HOCKNEY. “I wanted to capture this attitude without taking away the mystery and magic of a great artist.”

Since its U.S. theatrical release in April 2016, HOCKNEY has been praised for its entertaining and insightful depiction of the life of the charismatic 79-year-old artist.

HOCKNEY is a Blakeway and Fly Film Production for the Smithsonian Channel in association with BBC Arts, BFI, Screen Yorkshire and British Film Company. David Royle and Charles Poe serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.

Smithsonian Channel™, owned by Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, is where curiosity lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel combines the storytelling prowess of SHOWTIME^® with the unmatched resources and rich traditions of the Smithsonian, to create award-winning programming that shines new light on popular genres such as air and space, history, science, nature, and pop culture. Among the network’s offerings are series including Aerial America, Million Dollar American Princesses, The Weapon Hunter, Mighty Ships, Mighty Planes and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that include Civil War 360, 9/11: The Heartland Tapes; MLK: The Assassination Tapes and The Day Kennedy Died. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth™, through SN Digital LLC., a new subscription video streaming service delivering spectacular original nature and wildlife content. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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