Daily Newsletter
The British painter who transformed the everyday, and 25 art shows for America 250.
The art world mourns the loss of British painter David Hockney, who passed away last week at the age of 88. Renowned for his depictions of everyday scenes imbued with vibrant color and emotion, Hockney’s work spans sun-drenched California poolscapes, deeply psychological portraits, and innovative collages and digital pieces. His approach to portraying gay relationships with nuance and care broke new ground. Today, Associate Editor Lisa Yin Zhang reflects on Hockney’s legacy as a prolific artist and a “restless experimenter.”
As the “America 250” celebrations intensify with the approach of July, Staff Reporter Rhea Nayyar provides insights into essential art exhibitions that challenge and reinterpret U.S. history. Additional highlights include critic Eileen G’Sell’s take on a freshly restored 4K version of the iconic 1996 film I Shot Andy Warhol.
—Lakshmi Rivera Amin, Associate Editor
Painter David Hockney, Who Made the Everyday Otherworldly, Dies at 88
Celebrated for his ability to transform mundane scenes into something surreal, Hockney’s career spanned over 50 years and included ventures into printmaking, photography, and stage design for ballet and opera. A pioneer in digital art, he began using computer graphics in the 1980s and embraced digital painting on his iPad later in life.
An advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, he was among the first prominent artists to depict gay relationships in his work and openly opposed censorship of queer themes. | Lisa Yin Zhang
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The United States at 250
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From Our Critics
A Kind of Paradise: Reclaiming Colonial-Era Photography Through Contemporary Art
At Museum Rietberg, 20 global artists transform colonial photographs into new narratives of memory, identity, and resistance.
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“Learning how to communicate about difficult subjects is part of how we move toward a better place. People who know me know that I love debate, and that I have worked with high school students to develop these skills. So I make this claim with some practical experience: We can survive talking with one another about hard issues, even issues that pain us. And we are better for it. Being more expansive with others does not mean abandoning our principles. It means approaching people with courtesy and openness, listening, and allowing the conversation to continue. That kind of openness keeps imagination alive.”
Melanie Cohn on “They Want to Control Our Imagination”
From the Archive
