King leads tributes to 'giant of the art world' David Hockney

Renowned British artist David Hockney has died at the age of 88. King Charles led tributes, calling Hockney "a giant of the world of art and painting" and "a dear friend." Hockney was celebrated for his vibrant and innovative works, including Yorkshire landscapes, Los Angeles swimming pool scenes, and iPad portraits, spanning a seven-decade career. His representatives stated he passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2026. Figures from the art world and politics, including Dame Tracey Emin, Sir Keir Starmer, and the directors of Tate Britain and the Pompidou Centre, have acknowledged his immense influence and unique vision. Tate Britain plans to stage a major exhibition of his work next year.

British artist David Hockney, a highly influential figure in contemporary art known for his vibrant paintings, has died at the age of 88. His publicist announced his peaceful passing at home in London on Thursday. A pioneer of 1960s pop art, Hockney maintained a prolific, seven-decade career marked by multimedia experimentation, a deep exploration of depiction and perspective, and a celebration of the world around him. He continued to paint, experiment, and exhibit until his death, with his work spanning from 1960s California to the landscapes of his native Yorkshire. Hockney's achievements were recognized with prestigious honors, including Companion of Honour in Britain and the Legion of Honour in France.

British painter David Hockney, known for his revolutionary contributions to 20th-century art, has died at the age of 88. Born in Bradford in 1937, Hockney rose to prominence in the 1960s as a pop artist, gaining particular fame for his iconic swimming pool paintings that defined the Los Angeles aesthetic. His extensive career also included perspective-shifting photo-collages, abstract landscapes, and explorations of emerging 3D technology. Hockney challenged conservative society throughout his life, depicting gay life with unprecedented honesty and pushing artistic boundaries. He continued to work prolifically, even after a stroke in 2012, and his art evolved to incorporate technologies like the iPad.

German artist Georg Baselitz, a prominent figure in post-war German visual art, has died at the age of 88. Known for his expressive paintings and sculptures that often grappled with Germany's past, Baselitz gained international acclaim for his distinctive style. He began painting canvases upside down in 1969, a technique he used to explore the space between abstraction and figurative art. His work, which included paintings, graphic arts, and sculptures, frequently addressed themes of German history and collective guilt. Baselitz's art, though sometimes controversial, earned him recognition from politicians and a lasting legacy in the art world.