Swimmer Underwater (Paper Pool 16): Paper Pulp work by David Hockney

  • Swimmer Underwater (Paper Pool 16), 1978, paper pulp work by David Hockney

    Swimmer Underwater (Paper Pool 16), 1978

    Coloured and pressed paper pulp, 72 x 85.5 in 

    Unique work

    ©David Hockney

    Back to: Paper Pools

     

    David Hockney's Swimmer Underwater (Paper Pool 16) 1978, is one of the most dynamic compositions within the Paper Pools series, shifting the focus from architecture and diving boards to the human figure beneath the water's surface. Created in coloured, pressed paper pulp, the work depicts a swimmer viewed from above, their body partially obscured by shimmering reflections and rippling water. Hockney uses bright pink tones to distinguish the figure against the vibrant blue pool, while fluid green and white highlights recreate the constantly changing patterns of sunlight dancing across the water. The result is a composition that conveys both movement and tranquillity, capturing a fleeting moment beneath the Californian sun.

     

    Produced in collaboration with Kenneth Tyler at Tyler Graphics, Swimmer Underwater (Paper Pool 16) demonstrates David Hockney's mastery of combining technical innovation with careful observation. The layered paper pulp creates a richly textured surface that enhances the illusion of depth, allowing the swimmer to appear submerged beneath a veil of reflections rather than simply floating on the surface.

  • "I like living in Los Angeles. I like the light. I like the swimming pools."


    - David Hockney

    Although David Hockney is best known for depicting empty swimming pools, figures became an increasingly important element within many of his pool compositions. Rather than serving as traditional portraits, swimmers allowed Hockney to explore the complex visual relationship between the human body and water. Reflections, refraction and rippling light distort the figure beneath the surface, transforming familiar forms into abstract shapes and colours. This challenge fascinated Hockney throughout his career, as it enabled him to investigate how perception changes through water while also introducing a greater sense of movement and narrative.