ART: PRIVATE VIEW

Howard Hodgkin to 15 Jan 2000 Anthony D'Offay Gallery, London W1

Much has been written about Howard Hodgkin's new paintings since they went on show at the Anthony D'Offay Gallery last week. The critical consensus seems to be that these latest works show Hodgkin at the top of his powers - but more urgent perhaps, almost desperate, as if he feels that time is running out. I've just been to see them and this seems like nonsense. Certainly there are some that have come quicker than in the past (a few here date from 1999) but there's nothing hurried about the new work.

It's a function of being an artist that time is never on your side and Hodgkin has often seemed like a man painting against the dying of the light: it's one of the defining characteristics of his extraordinary work, but this exhibition does not, as some have suggested, signal the arrival of his "late work". Mature perhaps, but not late: his painting has never been so exciting. It's one of the most invigorating exhibitions that I've seen for many years: don't miss it.

Anthony D'Offay, Dering Street, London W1 (0171-499 4100) to 15 Jan 2000

Richard Ingleby