Famed English artist David Hockney dies at 88

June 12 (UPI) --David Hockney, the English artist known for his unique style, bold paintings and being an icon in the gay rights community has died at 88.

Hockney's publicist Erica Bolton confirmed that he died on Thursday at his London home. No cause of death was provided.

Hockney, born July 9, 1937, was a native of Yorkshire, England, but spent many years living in Los Angeles. In the 1950s and 1960s, his paintings stood out for their pop art style, flat colors and imaginings of Los Angeles against the conceptualist paintings that were dominant at the time.

Hockney's work also stood out for featuring gay themes, making him one of the first popular artists to unapologetically showcase the lifestyle when it was taboo, even criminal in England. His work made him an icon in the gay rights community.

After charting success in London, Hockney set out for the United States, first exploring New York City. He later moved to California and Los Angeles became the setting for many of his works to come.

Hockney taught art at the University of California, Los Angeles, when he met longtime partner Peter Schlesinger. Schlesinger, a student of his, stood in as a model for some of Hockney's work.

Hockney bounced between the United States and Europe throughout the years, always producing new work. Along with being a painter, he was also a photographer, a drafter and a stage designer. His work was never confined to one canvas. He created sprawling portraits, kaleidoscopic collages, turned entire rooms into art installations and made art digitally using an iPad.

He is survived by his partner, Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima, and his brothers Philip and John Hockney.

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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 7:12 AM.