David Hockney, whose pool paintings redefined modern art, dies at 88

Highlights:

• David Hockney died at age 88 in London.
• He was a leading figure in contemporary art.
• His career lasted more than seven decades.
• His famous pool painting sold for $90.3 million.
• Hockney continued creating art until his death.

British artist David Hockney, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary art, has died at the age of 88.

His publicist announced on Friday that Hockney passed away peacefully at his home in London on Thursday. He would have celebrated his 89th birthday next month.

In a statement to CBS News, the Bolton & Quinn public relations firm described Hockney as "one of the most important figures in contemporary art in both the 20th and 21st centuries."

The statement added that he had "passed away peacefully at home."

It also praised his long and successful career, saying: "His seven-decade career and prolific oeuvre was characterized by his multi-media approach in image making, an intellectual inquiry into the nature of depiction and perspective, and a sustained commitment to celebrating and portraying the world around him."

Hockney is survived by his longtime partner and companion Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima, as well as two brothers and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Hockney was one of the leading artists of the Pop Art movement during the 1960s. He became known around the world for his paintings, drawings, and willingness to experiment with different artistic styles and techniques.

He continued painting, creating new work, and holding exhibitions throughout his life.

At the time of his death, London's Serpentine Gallery was hosting his first exhibition at the venue. The exhibition was developed closely with Hockney and features new paintings by the artist.

Additional exhibitions at Tate in London and the Munch Museum in Oslo were also being planned.

Over the years, Hockney received many honors for his contributions to art.

In 1997, Britain awarded him the Order of the Companions of Honour. In 2026, he became one of the few non-French citizens to receive the rank of Officier in France's prestigious Legion d'Honneur.

David Hockney was born in 1937 in West Yorkshire, England.

He studied at the Bradford School of Art before continuing his education at London's Royal College of Art. He graduated with a Gold Medal distinction.

Soon after, he emerged as one of the most important talents among a new generation of British artists.

His work captured a wide range of subjects, from the bright and relaxed lifestyle of California, where he moved in 1964, to the peaceful countryside landscapes of his native Yorkshire.

One of his most famous works was "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)."

In 2018, the painting sold for $90.3 million at an auction in New York, setting a new record for a living artist at the time.

The record lasted until the following year, when Jeff Koons' sculpture "Rabbit" sold for an even higher amount.

Despite his international fame, Hockney never lost his distinctive Yorkshire accent.

According to his publicist, he was also a lifelong smoker who openly spoke about the enjoyment it brought him.

"He smoked up to the end," the statement said.

With a career spanning more than 70 years, David Hockney leaves behind a body of work that helped shape contemporary art and earned admiration from audiences around the world.