David Hockney: Pop Art’s Spirited Visionary

Written By Max Gibson

“An artist must be judged by what they do rather than by what they say.” – David Hockney

What makes someone an artist? Is their title simply affirmed through their ability to create? Or does their work have to be received by a particular group to be defined as art, and thus be considered an artist? These questions come to mind when considering the legacy of David Hockney. Considered an artist to the world, a friend to many, and a lover to few, David Hockney’s ability to use his personal experiences as fuel for his creative pieces, provided his work with an unparalleled authenticity and depth.

Born in Bradford, England in 1937, Hockney’s upbringing was characterized by the authoritative guidance of his parents. Deciding to become an artist at the age of 11, David fiercely rejected his education in any subject outside of the arts, often times spending his school days illustrating religious figures, much to the dismay of his teachers.

Using his art as a means for his own self expression, Hockney’s personal relationships provided much inspiration for his creative works. Discovering an affinity for gay men, much of Hockney’s later works would capture the essence of his homosexual relationships. His on again off again relationship with his teenage lover Peter Schlesinger, would provide Hockney with a muse to inspire his art throughout his career. Enrolling at the Painting School of the Royal College of London in 1959, Hockney thrived in the creative environment, garnering praise from his professors and peers alike. Often times, his greatest inspiration came from his friends, who shared similar lifestyles, and supported his artistic vision.

“Immediately after I started at the Royal College I realized that there were two groups of students there: a traditional group, who carried on as they had done in art school, doing still life, life painting and figure compositions; and then what I thought of as the more adventurous, lively students, the brightest ones, who were involved in the art of their time. They were doing big Abstract Expressionist paintings on hardboard.”

Although he constantly denied the label, many considered Hockney as one of the originators of the Pop Art movement. While his art embraced elements of the artistic movement, Hockney was also regarded as a “Pop Artist” for the way in which the general public embraced him. Emerging on a grandiose level in 1961, Hockney’s exhibition at the Young Contemporaries Exhibition in Britain, changed his career forever. In a sense, it was Hockney’s coming out party to the rest of the world. No pun intended. His massive and immediate success provided him the opportunity to travel to America, his initial trip providing him the inspiration for his next artistic style.

It was in Los Angeles that David began to discover himself creatively. The Los Angeles lifestyle, with its warm weather and whimsical air fueled Hockney’s artistic work. Beginning to create images of the people and places he encountered, Hockney was drawn to the luxurious aesthetic of California swimming pools. Paintings such as Sunbather (1966) and A Bigger Splash (1967) served to create distinct aesthetic to portray California living. At the pinnacle of it all was David Hockney, his fame allowing his art to reach those inside, but more importantly outside the world of high art.

As an artist, creative, and personality, David Hockney’s greatest achievements may lie in his ability to introduce ordinary people to the brilliance of artistic expression. As a pop artist, Hockney’s art has been received on a massive scale, redefining the possibilities for success for artists to achieve. For this reason, David Hockney deserves the title of artist. A creator whose work continues to inspire people to this day.