The reason David Hockney’s poster has been banned on the Paris Metro

Art
2 Apr 2025 • 10:54 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The Paris Metro banned a poster for David Hockney's upcoming exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton because the artist is holding a cigarette in the photograph.
  • Hockney criticized the decision, calling it "complete madness" and "dismal," emphasizing art's role in free expression.
  • The Paris transport network's lawyers contacted Hockney regarding the ban, citing the cigarette as the issue, despite the painting within the image also depicting him smoking.
  • Hockney's exhibition, curated by Sir Norman Rosenthal, will be the largest of his career, showcasing nearly 400 works spanning seven decades.
  • Rosenthal also condemned the ban, calling it censorship and highlighting Hockney's status as a major living artist and calling the upcoming exhibition "brilliant".

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