David Hockney ( b. 1937)

David Hockney, a celebrated British painter, printmaker, and pioneer of the 1960s British movement, is renowned for his bold and experimental works, characterized by vibrant colors and exploration of diverse artistic mediums.

 

Throughout his illustrious career, Hockney continuously pushed boundaries and embraced new technologies, including digital art. He utilized the "Brushes" application on his iPad to create captivating landscapes and still life pieces.

 

In the 1980s, Hockney delved into photocollages, creating evocative joiners using Polaroid shots. However, he eventually returned to painting for greater artistic freedom.

 

Hailing from Yorkshire, Hockney's art revolves around exploring different "ways of looking," leading to experimentation with various processes, media, and styles. A recurring theme in his works is swimming pools, evident in iconic pieces like "The Splash" and "A Bigger Splash," capturing moments in Californian swimming pools.

 

One of his masterpieces, "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" from 1972, features his former lover, Peter Schlesinger, overlooking a figure swimming towards him. This painting achieved significant acclaim and became Hockney's most expensive work ever sold, fetching US$90.3 million at Christie's, New York.