Interesting Facts & Highlights: What Makes David Hockney Fascinating

What Is David Hockney Famous For?

David Hockney is best known for his swimming-pool paintings—most notably A Bigger Splash (1967) and Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) (1972). These works capture fleeting moments of water, light, and space with vivid colour and precision—hallmarks that define why he is one of the most iconic figures of contemporary art.

What Are His Most Famous Paintings and Pieces?

His most famous works include:

• A Bigger Splash – a freezeframe moment painted in acrylic

• Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) – the most expensive painting by a living artist, at US $90 million

• The Splash – sold for £23.1 million in 2020

H3: What Inspired David Hockney’s Work?

Hockney drew inspiration from:

• The bright light and architecture of California, shifting his palette and subject matter

• Modernist painters like Matisse, shaping his bold approach to colour

• His experimentation with perspective—leading him to create photographic

Why Did He Paint Swimming Pools?

Pools offered a fascinating artistic challenge, depicting a moment of splash frozen in time. Hockney spent weeks meticulously crafting these scenes to show both motion and stillness

Why Did He Create 'Joiners'?

To challenge single-point perspective, Hockney produced collages of Polaroids—his “joiners.” These pieces present multiple viewpoints and introduce a sense of time and movement into still image works.

What Art Movement Was He Part Of?

Hockney emerged as a leading figure of British Pop Art in the 1960s. Since then, his work has embraced photorealism, Cubist-inspired collages, landscape painting, and digital innovation.

Where Does He Live and Work Now?

Born in Bradford in 1937, Hockney later lived between California and Yorkshire. In recent years, he has primarily resided in London, while also maintaining a studio in Normandy.

Where can I see David Hockney in Exhibition?

The largest exhibition of his career, David Hockney 25, is on show at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris through 31 August 2025. Over 400 works—ranging from early pool paintings to iPad drawings—are on display


David Hockney’s art continues to captivate audiences through its vibrant colour, technical ingenuity, and emotional breadth. From his iconic pool paintings and experimental joiners to prolific digital and landscape works, Hockney remains a singular force in modern art.