The Enduring Legacy of Queer Spaces: How Hockney’s Portrait Signals a Shift in Art and Valuation
A painting of two men, sitting in chairs, bathed in California light, is poised to sell for up to £45 million. But David Hockney’s 1968 “Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy” is more than just a beautiful object; it’s a barometer of changing cultural values, a testament to the power of visibility, and a harbinger of a new era in art market dynamics. The impending auction isn’t simply about a masterpiece; it’s about the increasing recognition – and financial valuation – of queer history and representation.
The Adelaide Drive Salon: A Radical Act of Visibility
In the 1960s and 70s, Don Bachardy and Christopher Isherwood’s home in Santa Monica wasn’t just a residence; it was a haven. A salon brimming with Hollywood royalty, literary giants, and fellow artists, it represented a radical act of visibility at a time when homosexual acts were criminalized in California. The casual normalcy depicted in Hockney’s portrait – the books, the fruit, the comfortable chairs – belies the societal pressures faced by Isherwood and Bachardy. This seemingly mundane scene was, in fact, a powerful statement of existence and a challenge to prevailing norms.
Beyond Representation: The Rising Market for Queer Art
Hockney’s double portrait isn’t an isolated example. The art market is witnessing a growing demand for works that explore LGBTQ+ themes and experiences. This isn’t merely a trend; it reflects a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and a re-evaluation of historical narratives. As art historian and curator Richard Meyer notes in his work on queer art, “the visibility of queer artists and subjects has dramatically increased in recent decades, leading to a corresponding rise in the market value of their work.” Artforum
The Impact of Generational Shifts and Institutional Recognition
Several factors are driving this market surge. Millennial and Gen Z collectors, with their heightened awareness of social justice issues, are actively seeking out art that reflects their values. Furthermore, increased institutional recognition – museums dedicating more space to queer artists and scholars incorporating LGBTQ+ perspectives into art history – is legitimizing the field and attracting investment. The inclusion of Hockney’s “Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy” in the Tate Britain’s collection is a prime example of this growing acceptance.
The Valuation of Intimacy: A New Benchmark?
The estimated £45 million price tag for “Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy” is staggering, even for a Hockney. It raises questions about how we value intimacy, domesticity, and queer relationships in art. Historically, depictions of same-sex love were often marginalized or coded. Now, a work that so openly and tenderly portrays a gay couple is commanding a price typically reserved for grand historical narratives or religious iconography. This suggests a fundamental shift in what society deems worthy of preservation and celebration.
The “Provenance” of Queer Experience
The painting’s provenance – its history of ownership and exhibition – also plays a crucial role in its valuation. Having been in private hands for four decades, its re-emergence onto the market generates excitement and exclusivity. But beyond its financial worth, the painting carries a cultural weight, representing a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. The very act of auctioning it sparks a conversation about the commodification of queer experience and the responsibility of collectors to preserve and share these important cultural artifacts.
Beyond the Auction Block: The Future of Queer Spaces
Don Bachardy’s continued residence in the Adelaide Drive house, the very setting of Hockney’s portrait, is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving physical spaces that fostered queer community. The potential for the house to become a residence for writers and painters, echoing its original purpose, is a compelling vision. However, the threat of wildfires, as Bachardy recounts, underscores the fragility of these spaces and the need for proactive preservation efforts. The story of Adelaide Drive is a microcosm of the broader struggle to protect and celebrate queer history and culture.
The sale of “Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy” will undoubtedly set a new benchmark for queer art. But its true legacy lies not just in its price tag, but in its ability to spark dialogue, challenge assumptions, and inspire future generations to create and collect art that reflects the full spectrum of human experience. What role will art play in shaping a more inclusive future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
