Pitzhanger Manor in London is currently hosting an exhibition of prints by the late Howard Hodgkin, set against the backdrop of a historical country residence once owned by architect Sir John Soane. The juxtaposition of Hodgkin’s colorful prints and a bronze statue of Minerva, goddess of commerce, creates an intriguing atmosphere at the exhibition.
The showcase begins on the ground floor of the manor, in a gallery space bathed in natural light from circular skylights. The prints are grouped thematically, with 15 of the 46 prints displayed in this spacious gallery. The rest of the prints are scattered throughout the house, creating a scavenger hunt for visitors to locate them all. The large gallery allows for an intimate conversation between the prints, highlighting their size, quality, and the way they interact with each other.
Moving to a smaller, darker gallery, visitors encounter a group of five paintings, including Howard’s final work, “Portrait of the Artist Listening to Music.” The spot-lit paintings in this room exude a sense of forcefulness and texture, showcasing Howard’s unique painting style. The contrast between the prints and paintings becomes apparent in this dimly lit space, where the paintings command attention with their physical presence.
Howard Hodgkin’s paintings are known for their rough textures and bold brushwork, a stark contrast to the smooth and polished surfaces of his prints. The collaborative nature of printmaking results in a more refined and controlled aesthetic, lacking the raw emotion and spontaneity of his paintings. The frames of the prints, unlike the paintings, exude a sense of tidiness and containment, distancing themselves from the energetic mark-making of Howard’s brushstrokes.
The exhibition invites visitors to explore the intricate relationship between Hodgkin’s prints and paintings, showcasing the artist’s ability to convey emotional depth through visual language. The unique display of his works at Pitzhanger Manor creates a dynamic dialogue between different mediums, offering a glimpse into Howard Hodgkin’s artistic legacy.
“Howard Hodgkin: In a Public Garden” will be on display at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery in London until March 8, 2026. Curated by Richard Calvocoressi, the exhibition is a celebration of Hodgkin’s vibrant and expressive artistry.
