What if you could step inside an artist’s mind and find yourself immersed into his works? That is the idea behind David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), an immersive art experience that invites visitors to see the world through the eyes of one of the most influential artists of our time.
Now on at the IMBA Theatre, David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), takes viewers on the iconic British artist’s personal journey through sixty years of his art. The presentation in Singapore is its Southeast Asia premiere.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
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Instead of quietly observing artworks from a distance, audiences are immersed into his world through colour, sound and motion. Rather than simply viewing his works in a gallery, the experience turns his art into a fully immersive journey.
Created in collaboration with the immersive exhibition space Lightroom in London, the show explores more than six decades of David Hockney’s creative output across painting, photography, drawing and digital media.
Inside the IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay, large-scale projections cover the walls and floor. Visitors will find themselves plunged into Hockney’s works which include vibrant landscapes, iconic swimming pool scenes and bold explorations of perspective.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) runs on a 50-minute loop and unfolds as a cinematic experience. Even if you step into the theatre mid-way through, you can stay on to view the entire presentation for as long as you like.
The experience is divided into several themed chapters that guide audiences through different aspects of Hockney’s work and thinking.
A key highlight of David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) is the artist’s own narration.
It hits different as you listen to Hockney’s voice accompaning the visuals. He providees a personal reflections on how he sees the world and the ideas behind his art.
Thanks to his commentary, the experience feels intimate — almost like being guided through the artist’s sketchbook and imagination.
Immerse Projections, Narration and Music that Draw You In
The projections at David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) take place on all four walls as well as on the floor. While it may be tempting to simply find a comfortable spot and flop down on a bean bag and focus on the main screen in front, it also pays to take a look around. There is an elevated set of seats in one corner of the theatre and we personally found that to be an ideal spot to take in the overall show and all its elements.
Sound and music also play an important role in shaping the atmosphere during David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away). Kudos go to the original score by contemporary composer Nico Muhly, which adds emotional depth as images unfold across the space.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) is a great way to get a deeper understanding of Hockney’s artistic process. Whether you are a long time fan of his work or someone who is just discovering him for the first time, the immersive experience does a wonderful job at providing an intimate look at his thoughts, works and process.
The seamless combination of imagery, colour accuracy and spatial sound creates an environment where Hockney’s art feels larger than life — hence the exhibition’s playful title, Bigger & Closer.
How Hockney Sees the World
Ultimately, the experience is less about viewing individual artworks and more about understanding how Hockney sees the world. His fascination with perspective, light, nature and everyday moments is woven throughout the show.
With his ideas enlarged on a monumental scale, the exhibition encourages visitors to slow down, observe carefully and rediscover the beauty of ordinary things.
Find out more and purchase tickets here.
