David Hockney’s striking poster for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games captures a diver just before he enters the water. His outstretched hands meet a fragmented reflection, surrounded by flowing patterns of blue, turquoise and pale green. The Olympic rings, Munich emblem and German lettering complete the design. , It brings Hockney’s familiar swimming-pool imagery into the world of Olympic sport.
Usually called “The Diver” or “Diver Poster for Olympische Spiele München,” this was designed specifically for the Games’ art-poster programme. It draws on Hockney’s interest in representing transparent water, moving reflections and the human figure.
Created in 1970 and published by Edition Olympia in 1971
Printing method: colour offset lithography on paper.
Dimensions: 40 in x 24.5 in (102 cm x 64 cm)
David Hockney became one of Britain’s most recognisable artists. His visits to Los Angeles from 1964 inspired paintings filled with bright light, modern buildings and swimming pools. Water became a recurring subject: he explored how to show its surface through ripples, reflections and changing patterns. This Olympic poster connects that interest naturally with diving, using a simple figure against an intricate, colourful pool.
What is special about exhibition and gallery posters is that they are an affordable way of getting good, unique art on the walls, as although it is not an artists original, neither is it something that has been mass reproduced.
Because of the age of these posters, there are areas of wear and tear, particularly on the edges. I have done my best to take photos where they are torn. The good news is that when framed, the tears press up well against glass, and edges can be hidden by mats. Any wear picked up from years are part of the charm.
These posters are sent as unframed. They are delivered in a cardboard tube for protection.
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