Local Artist Celebrates David Hockney in New Exhibit

A new art exhibition titled What Would Hockney Do?, created by local artist Sylvie Peltier, is currently on display at the Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach. The exhibit, which runs until March 7, pays tribute to the influential British artist David Hockney and showcases Peltier’s interpretation of his vibrant style.

Peltier’s journey with Hockney’s work began long before she recognized the artist’s name. She fondly recalls having a poster of Hockney’s painting Mount Fuji and Flowers and a postcard of his Pearblossom Highway collage adorning her wall. “They all look so different, I didn’t think they were all from the same artist,” she said. This initial admiration sparked a deep dive into Hockney’s portfolio, leading to her current exhibition.

At 88 years old, Hockney is celebrated for his colourful paintings and diverse media, including drawing, collage, and photography. Peltier draws inspiration from Hockney’s approach to art, particularly his inclination to paint subjects he loves rather than focusing solely on marketability. “I decided to see what I can learn from him and how he can inspire me,” she explained.

One of the most poignant aspects of Hockney’s work is his series of paintings featuring his two dachshunds, created during a time of immense personal loss due to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Peltier appreciates Hockney’s ability to find solace in painting what he cherished. “He painted what he loved and what brought him some kind of respite,” she remarked.

Inspired by her surroundings, Peltier focused her creative efforts on the rabbits that frequent Qualicum Beach. This resulted in a series of lively rabbit paintings, reflecting her joy in the local environment. Bright colours, characteristic of both Hockney and Peltier, feature prominently in her work. “It’s not like I paint like him. I paint like I want, but I like the way he paints a lot,” she noted.

Peltier’s background includes a degree in film and television from the University of British Columbia, and she founded Red Letter Films, a television documentary production company, in 1996. She began painting approximately twelve years ago and relocated to Qualicum Beach in 2023, where she currently teaches from her art studio.

Visitors to What Would Hockney Do? have the chance to win one of Peltier’s paintings by selecting their two favourite pieces from the exhibit. A special celebration for the exhibition is planned for February 6, from 16:00 to 18:00 at TOSH, located at 122 Fern Rd. West in Qualicum Beach. Interested individuals can contact Peltier through her website at sylviepeltier.com.

This exhibition not only highlights Peltier’s artistic journey but also serves as a reminder of Hockney’s enduring influence on contemporary art.