David Hockney, the celebrated British artist known for his vibrant swimming pool paintings and landscapes, has died at age 88. The article provides a guide to viewing his work in London, highlighting his final exhibition "A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about Painting" at Serpentine North Gallery (on view until August 23, 2026), as well as his work at Tate Britain. It traces his career from his Yorkshire roots and Royal College of Art training through his transformative move to Los Angeles, his iconic pool paintings like "A Bigger Splash" and "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)", his later digital experiments on iPad, and his immersive Lightroom show.
The article matters because it serves as both a practical guide for the public to see Hockney's work in London during a moment of mourning and reflection, and as a concise obituary summarizing the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in contemporary art. Hockney's death marks the end of an era for British pop art and his record-breaking auction sales, experimental techniques, and joyful approach to painting have left an indelible mark on the art world.