▲ David Hockney
The funeral for British contemporary art master David Hockney, who passed away on the 11th at the age of 88, was held privately with only two people in attendance.
The BBC and The Guardian reported on the 21st, citing Hockney's publicist Erica Bolton, that the funeral had already taken place in private.
In accordance with Hockney's wishes, only his longtime partner Jean-Pierre Gonçalves de Lima (61) and his great-nephew, photographer Richard Hockney (33), attended the funeral. No further details were disclosed.
Both individuals serve as trustees of the David Hockney Foundation, which the artist established in 2008.
"We have received many inquiries regarding the funeral arrangements and memorial services for Hockney," Bolton stated. "It was his clear wish that only his partner and great-nephew attend the funeral and that their privacy be respected."
This modest funeral is consistent with the humble attitude Hockney displayed throughout his life.
He declined a knighthood in 1990. In an interview with a local newspaper 13 years later in 2003, he explained his reasoning, saying, "I don't like a fuss. I don't care about any kind of awards; I care about my friends."
However, memorial services celebrating Hockney's life and work are scheduled to be held in several cities where he lived.
The first memorial will take place in London next spring, followed by events in Yorkshire, Paris, and Los Angeles.
Yorkshire is Hockney's birthplace, while Paris and Los Angeles are cities where he resided at various points in his life.
Bolton also noted that most of the works in Hockney's personal collection will be donated to foundations and public institutions around the world to preserve his legacy.
Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, in 1937, Hockney was a leading figure in the 1960s Pop Art movement. Over a career spanning 70 years, he was widely beloved for his vibrant colors and innovative expressions.
He moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s and gained fame for his sun-drenched swimming pool paintings, including "A Bigger Splash" (1967).
His work "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" (1972) sold for $90.3 million at a Christie's auction in New York in 2018, setting a record at the time for the highest price ever paid for a work by a living artist.
In his later years, he remained open to new tools and techniques, showing a particular interest in iPad drawings.
Following the news of his passing, King Charles III paid tribute to him, calling him a "cherished friend and inspiration to so many."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his condolences, describing him as "one of the most acclaimed artists in Britain."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.