David Hockney unveils Christmas display to bring ‘joy and hope’ to Londoners

David Hockney has unveiled his latest Christmas-themed artwork to bring “joy and hope” to people in London.

The Bigger Christmas Trees artwork at Battersea Power Station depicts two large green and purple striped Christmas trees, each with a gold star at the top.

The artwork is being displayed on the landmark’s two chimneys, which measure 100 metres (328 feet) and overlook the River Thames.

Artist David Hockney hopes to bring ‘joy and hope’ to Londoners with new artwork (Jonathan Wilkinson/PA)

“Battersea Power Station is such a beautiful building, I wanted to decorate it in a way that I hoped would bring joy and hope to Londoners,” said Hockney, 86.

The artist, who is known for using a range of mediums including apps on iPhones, used an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to create the design.

Hockney has used Apple products in his artwork for more than 15 years including the first iPhone model in 2007.

Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg Joswiak described Hockney’s artwork as a “gift” for London.

He said: “David is one of the world’s most important and influential artists, and we couldn’t be more excited to see his latest creation lighting up Battersea Power Station.

“It is a privilege for us that he chooses iPad for his work, and to create this beautiful Christmas gift for the people of London.”

David Hockney created a purple and green Christmas tree to be displayed on Battersea Power Station (Jonathan Wilkinson/PA)

Hockney’s other work using an iPad includes a stained glass window and a piece to highlight the natural world, which he created during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In November, he unveiled his David Hockney: Drawing from Life exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, in London, which showcases a portrait of singer Harry Styles.

Styles is depicted wearing an orange and red cardigan with a pearl necklace and blue jeans in one of 30 displays at the gallery.

The Bigger Christmas Trees artwork will be displayed in a 10-minute animation on two of Battersea Power Station’s towers from 5pm to 10pm every evening until Christmas Day.