David Hockney, one of the most celebrated and influential British artists of modern times, has died peacefully at home at the age of 88. His publicist, Erica Bolton, confirmed that he passed away on June 11, just one month before his 89th birthday.
Tributes to a Pioneering Artist
Professor Christoph Lindner, president and vice-chancellor of the Royal College of Art, where Hockney studied from 1959 to 1963, said: "David Hockney remained a defining voice in art across his lifetime. His boundless curiosity, mastery of colour, and embrace of new technologies reshaped the course of modern art. His legacy will continue to inspire and challenge generations of artists to come."
Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain, expressed deep sadness at the news, calling Hockney "an immensely important figure to Tate." He revealed that Tate will work closely with Hockney's team to realise two projects he was preparing: a major exhibition spanning seven decades of his work at Tate Britain and a multimedia installation in Tate Modern's Turbine Hall.
A Life in Art
Hockney's career spanned seven decades, producing iconic works such as The Splash, A Bigger Splash, Portrait Of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures), and Mr And Mrs Clark And Percy. He was known for embracing new technologies, from photocopiers and fax machines to iPads, and his work often captured the vibrancy of life.
Born in Bradford, Hockney trained at the Bradford School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London, where he graduated with a gold medal. He was open about his sexuality at a time when homosexuality was illegal, creating a group of paintings he described as "homosexual propaganda."
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Hockney returned to Yorkshire, producing a stunning series of landscapes capturing the changing seasons. He also created the stained-glass Queen's Window for Westminster Abbey in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. He was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1997 and the Order of Merit in 2012. In 2026, he was awarded the rank of officer in France's Legion d'Honneur.
Hockney is survived by his long-time partner Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima, his great-nephew Richard, brothers Philip and John, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Reactions from the Art World
Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, described Hockney as "quite simply one of Yorkshire's finest," while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called him "a true titan of British art." Sir Nicholas Serota, chairman of Arts Council England, said: "David Hockney was an artist of constant invention. He explored how we see the world and how we relate to one another. His legacy is immeasurable."
The Pompidou Centre in Paris, which hosted a major Hockney exhibition, said: "It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of David Hockney. His work remains radiant, vibrant, and timeless."
