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David Hockney Dies at 88: Art World Loses Icon
12 Jun
Summary
- Renowned artist David Hockney, famed for LA pool paintings, has died.
- Hockney, born in England, spent much of his life in California.
- His influential art achieved record prices at auction.
Artist David Hockney, widely acclaimed for his vibrant depictions of Los Angeles swimming pools, passed away on Thursday at the age of 88. Born in Bradford, England, Hockney spent a significant portion of his creative life in Southern California, where he captured the essence of its sunlit suburban vistas. These works became emblematic of 20th-century art.
Later in his life, Hockney returned to Europe, drawing fresh inspiration from the landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy. His art continued to resonate, with his pieces commanding record prices at auction, establishing him as a highly valued figure in the U.K. art scene.
Historian Simon Schama noted the enduring appeal of Hockney's work, attributing its popularity to an "expectation of pleasure" it consistently delivered to millions worldwide. Known for his distinctive style, including round glasses and bleached-blond hair, Hockney was a prominent personality in the art scenes of the 1960s. His publicist confirmed his death occurred a few weeks prior to his 89th birthday.