12/06/2026
David Hockney leaves behind one of the most remarkable artistic careers of the last century.
From the moment his work emerged from the Royal College of Art in London in the early 1960s, it was clear that a unique voice had arrived. While much of Britain was still painted in shades of grey, Hockney brought colour, light, wit and optimism. His move from London to Los Angeles transformed not only his life but also the visual language of contemporary art. Swimming pools, Californian skies, landscapes, portraits, photography, iPads,…he never stopped reinventing the way we see.
What always fascinated me most about Hockney was his relationship with colour. He understood that colour is not decoration; it is emotion, memory, atmosphere and joy. Few artists have managed to capture the pleasure of looking at the world with such generosity.
His work reminds us that art can be intellectually rigorous without losing its sense of wonder, and that innovation does not belong only to the young, it belongs to the curious.
A giant of modern art. An extraordinary life. An extraordinary body of work.
By pure coincidence, I have tickets to visit his exhibition today. It feels like a fitting way to say goodbye.
Rest in peace, David Hockney.
