Global auction houses are spotlighting works by David Hockney following his death on June 11, 2026, at age 88. Seoul Auction will offer Hockney's edition piece "The Atelier, March 17th 2009" (estimated 30–80 million won) on June 23, marking the first domestic auction of his work since his passing. Meanwhile, Phillips Auction will present "The Only One with Waves (1991)" (estimated £1.8–2.5 million) at its London modern and contemporary art auction on June 26, highlighting his transition from figurative to abstract art.
This matters because Hockney's death is expected to intensify scarcity and demand for his works, which have long been considered blue-chip investments. His 1972 painting "Portrait of an Artist" sold for $90.3 million in 2018, setting a record for a living artist at the time. The current auctions serve as a benchmark for market reactions, particularly as original paintings are rarely available and edition pieces offer entry points for new collectors.