The King has led tributes to David Hockney, the painter whose work has defined the visual identity of modern Britain. Hockney, 87, was described by the monarch as 'a giant of the art world and a symbol of British cultural excellence' following news that the artist has entered palliative care.
Hockney’s practice, spanning seven decades, has rendered the landscapes of Yorkshire and the swimming pools of California with equal precision. His use of colour and perspective challenged the conventions of representational art, making him one of the most significant figures in contemporary painting. The Royal Collection Trust holds a number of his works, including 'A Bigger Picture' which hangs at Buckingham Palace.
Tributes have poured in from across the cultural sector. The director of the Tate, Maria Balshaw, called Hockney 'a painter of light who taught us to see the world anew'. Meanwhile, the prime minister acknowledged his contribution to national identity: 'His art is woven into the fabric of modern Britain.'
Hockney’s influence extends beyond the gallery. He was an early advocate for the use of digital technologies in art, creating works on iPads that were projected onto the exterior of the Royal Opera House. His 2018 exhibition at the Louvre attracted record crowds.
The artist’s health has been declining for several years, but his studio in Normandy continues to produce new work. 'I am still a painter,' he said in a recent interview. 'That is all I have ever wanted to be.'
