Howard Hodgkin Rain 1984–9 Tate enlarge this image Listen to Audio Guide for this work

In 1984 Hodgkin represented Britain in the XLI Venice Biennale. He chose to paint the walls of the British Pavilion eau de nil green, a colour similar to the walls of this gallery, to reflect and diffuse the shimmering light from the Venetian lagoon.

Following in the tradition of Canaletto and JMW Turner, Hodgkin’s captivation with Venice resulted in a series of paintings. Venice Evening 1984–5 and Venice Sunset 1989 are among his smallest works and although composed of broad, gestural brushstrokes, they capture the changing illumination of the city with extraordinary accuracy.

Rain 1984–9 evokes weather on a much larger scale – the cloudcover and downpour seem to surround the viewer. Over the years Hodgkin has recorded a vast range of atmospheric conditions. From radiant sunsets to ethereal mists and ominous storm clouds, his work demonstrates how light and weather can shape our moods and define our memories.

Howard Hodgkin Venice Evening 1984–5 Courtesy Gene and Nan Corman enlarge this image		Howard Hodgkin Venice Sunset 1989 Private Collection enlarge this image
Howard Hodgkin Venetian Glass 1984-87 Galerie Iris Wazzau, Davos, Switzerland enlarge this image		Howard Hodgkin Venice in the Autumn 1986-89 Private Collection, London enlarge this image