"If you see the world as beautiful, thrilling and mysterious, as I think I do, then you feel quite alive."
David Hockney is one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century. Born in Bradford, England, in 1937, he studied at the Bradford School of Art before attending the Royal College of Art in London. In the 1960s, he moved to Los Angeles, where he began producing iconic works inspired by the city's vibrant culture and lifestyle.
Throughout his career, Hockney has worked in a variety of media, including painting, printmaking, photography, and even stage design. He is best known for his colorful and playful paintings of swimming pools, sunny landscapes, and portraits of friends and loved ones. His style is characterized by bold colors, simplified forms, and a sense of playfulness and experimentation.
Hockney has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions at major institutions around the world, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. His work has also been included in major group exhibitions, such as the Venice Biennale and Documenta.
In addition to his work as an artist, Hockney is also an important cultural figure and advocate for LGBTQ rights. In the 1960s, he was part of the "British Pop Art" movement, which sought to challenge the elitism and exclusivity of traditional art forms. Later in his career, he became an outspoken advocate for gay rights, and his art often depicted same-sex relationships in a positive and celebratory light.
Today, Hockney's work continues to be highly sought-after by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world. His vibrant and playful paintings remain relevant and influential, and his career has had a lasting impact on the world of modern and contemporary art. He is a true icon of British art, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and art lovers.