Meaning: David Hockney, a prominent artist known for his paintings, drawings, and photography, made the remark, "You had to be aware that I saw that photography was a mere episode in the history of the optical projection and when the chemicals ended, meaning the picture was fixed by chemicals, we were in a new era." This quote sheds light on Hockney's perspective on the evolution of visual representation and the impact of photography in the broader context of art history.

In this quote, Hockney emphasizes his belief that photography is just a small part of the larger history of visual representation. He acknowledges the significance of photography as an "episode" in the broader narrative of optical projection, suggesting that it is a temporary and transitional phase in the evolution of visual technology. Hockney's choice of the word "mere" to describe photography in this context may indicate his view that the medium, while impactful, is limited in its scope compared to the broader trajectory of visual representation.

Furthermore, Hockney's reference to the use of chemicals in fixing photographs highlights the traditional process of developing and fixing images in analog photography. By stating that "when the chemicals ended, we were in a new era," Hockney implies a significant shift in the way images are produced and consumed. This shift likely alludes to the emergence of digital photography and its transformative effect on the medium, marking the transition from chemical-based processes to digital technologies.

Hockney's perspective on the transition from analog to digital photography aligns with the broader societal and artistic shift towards digital technology. The advent of digital photography has revolutionized the way images are captured, edited, and shared, fundamentally altering the landscape of visual representation. Hockney's recognition of this shift as marking a "new era" underscores the profound impact of digital technology on the medium of photography and its role in the broader history of visual projection.

In addition to his views on the technological evolution of photography, Hockney's quote may also reflect his artistic practice and exploration of different mediums. As an artist known for embracing technology in his work, including creating art on the iPad, Hockney's perspective on photography as a part of a larger historical trajectory aligns with his own multidisciplinary approach to image-making. By acknowledging photography as a temporary "episode" in the history of visual representation, Hockney positions the medium within a broader continuum of artistic expression, emphasizing its interconnectedness with other forms of visual projection.

Overall, Hockney's quote offers a thought-provoking reflection on the place of photography within the history of visual representation. By framing photography as a transitional phase in the evolution of visual technology and emphasizing the shift to a "new era" marked by digital advancements, Hockney invites us to consider the medium within a broader historical and technological context. His words prompt us to contemplate the ever-changing nature of image-making and the enduring impact of technological innovation on the artistic landscape.