'Put your phones down': David Hockney's nephew has this message after visiting Ilkley school
He warned pupils to put down their phones and “look with both eyes”
The nephew of one of the most celebrated and influential British artists of modern times helped to officially open an Ilkley’s school’s Turner Prize inspired art exhibition.
Nick Hockney, the nephew of legendary Yorkshire artist David Hockney, was alongside local artist Helen Brayshaw as the halls of Moorfield School and Nursery were transformed into an art gallery.
Mr Hockney was so impressed with the work that he pledged to collaborate with the school over the coming academic year.
The idea was inspired by deputy head and director of music and art, Lynsey Rix, after visiting the Turner Prize exhibition at Cartwright Hall, in Bradford.
Mr Hockney said: "This exhibition is really wonderful, congratulations, all inspired by the Turner Prize. This is not photography; it’s looking at space and looking at colour and putting it all together. Put your phones and iPads down and look with both eyes.
"The quality of work is exceptional. It’s what makes this school stand out against all the others, the creativity and high standards of work. The inspiration is amazing."
The exhibition showcased a wide variety of media and techniques, including clay sculptures, suspended three-dimensional installations and large-scale collaborative artworks created by entire classes.
Members of staff also contributed their own pieces to hang alongside the children's work.
Mrs Rix said: "Visiting the Turner Prize exhibition sparked a vision to explore that same spirit of bold, contemporary creativity here at Moorfield.
“What started as a few ideas in a notebook grew into an incredible whole-school project.”