The Paris Metro recently banned promotional posters for David Hockney’s upcoming retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton because the image showed the artist holding a cigarette. This decision, based on France’s strict anti-tobacco advertising laws, has stirred controversy and frustration. Hockney himself called the ban “complete madness,” pointing out the irony that a painting depicting him smoking was allowed, while the photograph was not.
The incident has ignited a wider conversation about the balance between public health regulations and artistic freedom, especially in a city celebrated for its rich cultural and revolutionary history. Critics argue that such censorship risks stifling creativity and undermining the role of art in public spaces.
Meanwhile, the Fondation Louis Vuitton exhibition, running from April to August 2025, promises a stunning retrospective of Hockney’s work over the past 25 years, featuring over 400 pieces including iconic paintings, digital art, and immersive installations. Despite the poster controversy, the show is set to be a major celebration of one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists.
David Hockney’s Reaction
The 86-year-old British artist expressed his frustration with the Paris Metro’s decision, describing it as “complete madness” and an example of excessive control. Hockney, known for his advocacy of personal freedom, found the distinction between the banned photograph and the permitted painting particularly perplexing, as both depicted him smoking. His reaction highlights the tension between artistic expression and public health regulations in France. Sir Norman Rosenthal, a curator, echoed Hockney’s sentiments, calling the decision “beyond comprehension” and contrary to Paris’s historical association with artistic liberty and revolution.
