Hockney nail portrait rehung in city's new market

A striking portrait of the renowned artist David Hockney is set to be displayed in the new Darley Street market in Bradford, which is scheduled to open next year. This unique artwork, created entirely from nails, will greet visitors as they enter the market. The portrait consists of 12 squares arranged in a four by three layout, depicting Hockney smoking a cigarette against a vibrant yellow background. The artist behind this remarkable piece is Marcus Levine, who is based in Shipley. He completed the portrait in 2017 to celebrate Hockney's 80th birthday. For the past seven years, the portrait has been showcased in the Little Germany area of Bradford, but it is now being relocated to the new market, where it will be seen by an even larger audience. Mr. Levine expressed that creating this portrait was one of the most significant challenges of his artistic career. The artwork is composed of only three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. However, the way these colors are combined gives the illusion of a broader spectrum when viewed from a distance. As viewers approach the piece, it transforms into an abstract nail sculpture, but stepping back reveals the complete image. Mr. Levine is excited about the move, stating that more people will have the opportunity to appreciate the artwork up close and witness the intricate details of its construction. Alex Ross-Shaw, a member of the Bradford Council, shared that he first met Mr. Levine a few years ago and suggested that the Darley Street Market would be an ideal location for this extraordinary artwork. He expressed his delight that this idea has come to fruition and believes that thousands of visitors will enjoy and appreciate the portrait for many years to come. Hockney is celebrated for his vivid and colorful representations of the English countryside and is regarded as one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century. The portrait will welcome visitors to the Darley Street market following a significant £27 million redevelopment.