David Hockney, Iconic British Artist, Dead At 88

Celebrated British painter David Hockney died peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 11, 2026, just one month short of his 89th birthday.

His publicist, Erica Bolton, confirmed the news, describing Hockney as “one of the most important figures in contemporary art in both the 20th and 21st centuries.”

The Bradford-born artist rose to prominence in the 1960s as a leading figure in the Pop Art movement, later becoming best known for his sun-drenched California swimming pool paintings. These images became among the most recognisable in modern art.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Hockney also turned his hand to portraits, self-portraits, gardens and countryside landscapes.

His most recent exhibition featured portraits of those closest to him, including his carer Thomas Mupfupi and Jack Ransome, the man who makes his glasses.

In later years, Hockney faced health challenges and required full-time care at home. He suffered a minor stroke in 2013 but continued to paint and exhibit until the end.

He is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest modern artists. His death marks the close of a remarkable chapter in contemporary art history.