Culture, connection and Hockney : A Paris Getaway”

I recently took a much-needed break and escaped to Paris with my daughter—a little mother-daughter holiday to recharge our batteries, soak in some culture, and enjoy some proper time together. We strolled through cobblestone streets, indulged in croissants and café conversations, and stayed with my dear cousin, who welcomed us with warmth and good food. The slower pace, the beauty around every corner, and the joy of being with family made it the perfect reset.

From left to right- Layla (my daughter), Amberin(cousin) and me of course!

A Vivid Afternoon with David Hockney at the Louis Vuitton Foundation

During my recent trip to Paris, one of the highlights was visiting the Hockney 25 retrospective at the Louis Vuitton Foundation. The experience was a perfect blend of colour, light, and creative energy—both inside the gallery walls and in the building that holds them.

The Foundation itself is a work of art. Designed by Frank Gehry, the structure rises like a glass ship nestled in the Bois de Boulogne, with its billowing, sail-like panels catching the light from every angle. As I approached, I was struck by the way the architecture mirrors the spirit of Hockney’s work—bold, unconventional, and full of movement. The airy interior, with its clean lines and flowing spaces, created the perfect canvas for the show.

Inside, Hockney 25 traced more than six decades of Hockney’s creative journey. His vibrant use of colour and masterful compositions were on full display—from the iconic California pool paintings and intimate portraits to expansive landscapes of the English countryside and his more recent iPad drawings. I loved seeing how he embraced different mediums and technologies without ever losing his playful, observant spirit.

What resonated most was the joy and immediacy in his work. Whether capturing the stillness of a Yorkshire road or the sparkle of sunlight across a pool, each piece pulsed with life. I found myself smiling, pausing, and even laughing—completely immersed in the world he invites us into.

The combination of Gehry’s dynamic architecture and Hockney’s vivid, evolving body of work made this a deeply inspiring visit. It was a reminder of how art and space together can awaken the senses and leave you changed. I walked away feeling creatively recharged and grateful to have witnessed the conversation between two artistic giants—one of canvas, one of concrete and glass—right in the heart of Paris.