Opening February 26 in the Gund Gallery at the MFA, David Hockney Portraits promises to make up for such recent disappointments as "The Things I Love: The Many Collections of William Koch" and "Style, Speed, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection." As much as Bostonist can appreciate the new audience that such exhibitions pulled into the MFA, it is more than a welcome breathe of fresh air to have British artist Hockney's portrait exhibition gracing our fine city for a few months.

Many consider Hockney one of the most important British artists of the 20th/21st centuries. Having worked in many media - you may recognize Hockey's contribution to art history via his photocollages of Polaroids in the 70s and 80s - which if Bostonist's art knowledge is still intact he called "joiners". Additionally, his Los Angeles swimming pool series are easily recognizable.

The MFA is promoting the Hockney exhibition with "Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Percy" - a portrait from 1970 on loan from the Tate (London) recently nominated for the Greatest Painting in Britain. As for the other works that will be on view, Bostonist is left without a clue and incessant googling hasn't turned up any additional clues, but be assured - this is an exhibition not to be missed.

In addition, as always, be sure to check out the accompanying lectures/talks/events surrouding the exhibition.

To book tickets and for additional information, visit the MFA website.

Image by Robert Mapplethorpe of David Hockey in 1976 in London. For more on Mapplethorpe, visit the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation website.