Downing Street has led tributes to the British artist David Hockney, describing him as a “giant of national art” whose work has defined the visual culture of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman issued a statement this afternoon praising Hockney’s “extraordinary contribution to British painting and his enduring influence on global contemporary art.” Hockney, 87, whose career has spanned more than six decades, is celebrated for his vivid landscapes, portraits, and pioneering use of technology in art.
His works, from the iconic swimming pool series to the Yorkshire landscapes, have been exhibited worldwide and command prices in the millions. The tribute from Number 10 follows a string of honours, including the Order of Merit and the Companion of Honour, and underscores his status as a cultural figure of national importance. Cultural institutions, including the Tate and the Royal Academy, have also issued statements lauding his legacy.
No specific event prompted the statement, but Downing Street said it wished to “recognise a lifetime of achievement in the arts.” Hockney, who divides his time between the UK and the United States, has continued to produce new work, including recent iPad drawings that have been shown at major galleries.
