David Hockney, born on July 9, 1937, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, is one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. He studied at the Bradford College of Art (1953–1957) and the Royal College of Art, London (1959–1962), where he won a gold medal and gained recognition for his innovative work. Hockney became a central figure in the British Pop Art movement, though he often distanced himself from the label, favoring a style rooted in realism, vibrant color, and a deep interest in light and perspective.

His early career was marked by iconic works such as A Bigger Splash (1967) and Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) (1972), both inspired by his time in Los Angeles, where he moved in 1964 and lived for many years. He explored various media, including painting, printmaking, photography, and digital art, notably pioneering iPad and iPhone drawings in the 2000s. He also made significant contributions to stage design for opera and theater, including productions at the Metropolitan Opera and Glyndebourne.

Hockney is openly gay, and his personal life—including relationships with men like Peter Schlesinger and Gregory Evans—influenced his art, with works like We Two Boys Clinging Together (1961) reflecting his identity. In 2018, his painting Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) sold for $90 million, making it the most expensive artwork by a living artist at auction—until 2019.

He continues to create art and lives in Normandy, France, where he has worked during recent years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. His career spans over six decades, and he remains a celebrated figure in contemporary art, known for his versatility, innovation, and enduring curiosity about how we see the world.