Art icon David Hockney dies at age 88
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Renowned artist David Hockney, famous for his iconic paintings of Los Angeles pools and vibrant landscapes, died at age 88, just weeks shy of his 89th birthday.
- Born in England, Hockney spent much of his life in Southern California, drawing inspiration from its sunlit suburban scenes before returning to Europe later in life to focus on Yorkshire and Normandy landscapes.
- Hockney was a pioneering figure in 20th-century art, blending influences from Renaissance to pop art, and openly explored gay themes in his work during a time when homosexuality was illegal in Britain.
- His works achieved record auction prices, including a 1972 pool painting that sold for $90.3 million, and he embraced diverse media such as photography, video, and digital drawing on iPads.
- Celebrated as one of Britain’s greatest living artists, Hockney received numerous honors including the Companion of Honour, and continued creating art until his death, famously stating his work kept him young.