London – 12.06.2026: David Hockney, the British painter who shaped the art world with his vibrant colors and innovative perspectives, passed away on June 11, 2026, at the age of 88 in London. His works, ranging from the sunlit swimming pools of California to the green hills of his native Yorkshire, made him one of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Born in 1937 in Bradford, Yorkshire, Hockney began his artistic training at the Royal College of Art in London. In the 1960s, he became a key figure in the British Pop Art movement. His works are characterized by a vivid color palette and a continuous exploration of perspective and space. Particularly well known are his paintings of swimming pools, which reflect the hedonistic lifestyle of California.
In the 1970s, Hockney moved to Los Angeles, where he created his iconic pool paintings. Works like “A Bigger Splash” and “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)” became icons of art history. The latter fetched a record price of over 90 million US dollars at an auction in 2018, cementing Hockney’s status as one of the most valuable living artists.
Besides painting, Hockney experimented with various media, including photography, printmaking, and digital art. He was known for his openness to new technologies that expanded his artistic vision. His late works, including digital drawings on the iPad, demonstrate his innovative spirit and tireless artistic curiosity.
Hockney’s influence spanned seven decades and included numerous exhibitions at renowned institutions worldwide. In 2025, his exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris attracted over 900,000 visitors, underscoring his enduring popularity.
His works are represented in major collections, including the Tate Gallery in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Hockney’s ability to depict everyday scenes with intense coloration made him one of the most important artists of his generation.
David Hockney leaves behind an impressive artistic legacy that will continue to shape the art world. His works will keep being exhibited worldwide in museums and galleries, inspiring future generations of artists and art lovers.
He is survived by his long-time partner Jean-Pierre Gonçalves de Lima, his family, and numerous nieces and nephews. His agent Erica Bolton honored him as “one of the most significant figures in contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries” and highlighted his “unparalleled passion for life.”
David Hockney will be remembered as an artist who, with his colorful art and innovative approach, pushed the boundaries of painting and profoundly changed the art world.
Sources
- The Guardian
- PA Media