David Hockney

David Hockney's artistic journey began under the influence of American Abstract Expressionism, particularly inspired by painters like Jackson Pollock. In 1960, Hockney embarked on his "Love" paintings, which gained prominence through consecutive exhibitions at London's RBA Galleries as part of the Young Contemporaries exhibition.

Among these works, "We Two Boys Together Clinging," inspired by Walt Whitman's eponymous poem, stands out as a seminal piece. Depicting two figures in an embrace with gestural, expressionistic strokes and graffiti-like script, the painting subtly referenced Hockney's own sexuality during a period when homosexuality remained illegal in Britain. These paintings not only defined a unique style but also became symbolic of the burgeoning British Pop Art scene and the vibrant, bohemian atmosphere of 1960s London.

David Hockney, born and raised in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire in the North of England, exhibited a remarkable aptitude and passion for art from a young age. Raised in a liberal environment shaped by his father Kenneth Hockney's conscientious objection, he was encouraged in his self-expression and interest in political causes. At just sixteen, Hockney enrolled at the Bradford School of Art, a pivotal step that marked the beginning of his artistic journey.

The Bradford School of Art, with its rich artistic heritage, played a significant role in shaping Hockney's early career. In recognition of his enduring influence, the school honored him by opening the 'David Hockney Building' on campus in 2015. Throughout his artistic career, Hockney repeatedly returned to the Yorkshire landscape, drawing endless inspiration from its verdant rural beauty and serene surroundings.

Today, the 1853 Gallery at Salts Mill in Saltaire, near Hockney's hometown of Bradford, proudly houses numerous pieces from his extensive and diverse collection, underscoring his deep connection to his Yorkshire roots.

Swimming pools have been a central theme in David Hockney's artistic career. His series of paintings known as The Splash and A Bigger Splash, created in 1966 and 1967, stand as iconic works within British Pop Art. These pieces vividly capture the dynamic moment of a splash created by an unseen figure diving into a Californian swimming pool on a sunny day, resembling a frozen snapshot from a camera.

Continuing his fascination with the swimming pool, Hockney produced his celebrated 1972 masterpiece Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures). This painting portrays Hockney's former partner, Peter Schlesinger, overlooking a figure swimming towards him in the pool. Notably, this artwork holds the distinction of being Hockney's most expensive piece ever sold, fetching US$90.3 million at Christie's auction in New York.

In November 2018, David Hockney achieved a milestone in his career when his painting Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) (1972) sold for an astounding £70.7 million at Christie's in New York, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a Hockney painting. Known for his prolific output, Hockney's artworks regularly command attention at auctions, solidifying his stature as one of England's most prominent artists.

Hockney's current partner is longtime companion Jean-Pierre Gonçalves de Lima. Also known as JP, he also works with Hockney in his studio as his chief assistant.

Painted in 1967, A Bigger Splash stands as David Hockney's most renowned artwork. What makes this painting so enduringly captivating and modern, even fifty years after its creation?

Set in Los Angeles, the painting features a sunlit swimming pool with a backdrop of a pink modernist building and an empty chair. The reflection of nearby buildings in the large window adds depth to the scene, framed by two slender palm trees and meticulously manicured gardens. Unlike many of Hockney's works of the time, the absence of any human figures intensifies the mystery, particularly around the central splash.

The viewer is left to wonder about the identity of the diver, or if they themselves might fill that role from the chair beside the pool. A Bigger Splash evokes feelings of jealousy and immediate allure, reminiscent of vacations and the allure of a life that many can only dream of experiencing.

Painted in 1967, A Bigger Splash remains David Hockney's most celebrated artwork. What imbues this painting with enduring appeal and a modern sensibility, even fifty years after its creation?

Set in Los Angeles, the painting depicts a sun-drenched swimming pool against the backdrop of a pink modernist building and an empty chair. The reflection of neighboring buildings in the large window adds depth to the scene, complemented by two slender palm trees and meticulously groomed gardens. Unlike many of Hockney's contemporaneous works, the absence of human figures heightens the intrigue, particularly around the pivotal splash.

The viewer is prompted to ponder the identity of the diver, perhaps even imagining themselves in that role from the adjacent poolside chair. A Bigger Splash evokes sensations of envy and immediate allure, evoking memories of vacations and the aspiration for a lifestyle that many can only fantasise about.