British artist David Hockney, emblematic figure of contemporary art and brand representative of pop art, died in London at the age of 88.
The death of the artist generated numerous reactions in the cultural world. King Charles III himself paid tribute to him, describing him as righteous “a giant of the art world” and a personality “truly unique”.
In a public message, the sovereign declared himself deeply saddened by the disappearance of the artist, whom he called “a titan of art and painting”but also “a dear friend and inspiration to so many.”
The monarch also evoked the artist’s non-conformist style, noting that Hockney “his wear genius with equal ease” with which he wore his famous yellow Crocs, which brought a pop of color to receptions at Buckingham Palace.
According to Hockney’s agent, Erica Bolton, the artist“went out quietly” on June 11, 2026, shortly before turning 89, according to News.ro.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was “saddened” by the death of one of the “the most famous British artists”, while Downing Street emphasized the major impact of his work on generations of creators.
Tate Britain director Alex Farquharson described Hockney as “a extremely important figure” in contemporary art and “an artist with boundless inventivenesse”, highlighting his decisive contribution to the redefinition of modern visual language.
Known for his vibrant works, particularly his pool paintings and portraits, Hockney has had a career spanning over seven decades, notable for his ability to reinvent himself and his openness to new technologies, including the use of the iPad in his artistic creation.
Born in 1937 in Bradford, UK, David Hockney settled in Los Angeles in the 1960s, where he created some of his most famous works, such as “A Bigger Splashh” (1967).
In 2018, the painting “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)” it sold for more than $90 million, setting a record at the time for a living artist.
Throughout his life, Hockney lived and worked in the UK, USA and France, constantly exploring new styles and techniques. In recent years, he has continued to create and exhibit, including exhibitions in London.
Institutions such as the Pompidou Center in Paris or Tate Britain have emphasized his major impact on contemporary art, appreciating his work as “brilliant, vivid and influential”, capable of inspiring entire generations of artists.
David Hockney leaves behind a vast artistic legacy and one of the most recognizable works of art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
