Paris Metro bans David Hockney exhibition poster because artist is holding cigarette
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".