Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Andy Gregory

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

  • 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".

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.