British artist David Hockney, known for his vibrant paintings of California swimming pools and Yorkshire landscapes, died on June 13, 2026, at age 88. His agent Erica Bolton confirmed he passed away peacefully at home in London, a month before his 89th birthday. Hockney's career spanned from his early days at the Royal College of Art to becoming a pop art icon, with works like 'A Bigger Splash' and the record-breaking sale of 'Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)' for $90.3 million in 2018.
Hockney's death marks the end of an era for one of Britain's most beloved and versatile artists, whose bold use of color and light influenced generations. His openly gay identity and working-class roots challenged post-war conventions, while his auction records and global acclaim cemented his place in art history. The Tate gallery called him 'perhaps the most popular and versatile British artist of the 20th century,' and his vast body of work—from paintings to stage designs—ensures his enduring legacy.