The King has led tributes to David Hockney, who was honoured for his decades of work depicting what has been described as a 'peaceful, gay paradise' in the face of persistent persecution. The artist, now 87, received the Companion of Honour from the monarch at a private ceremony in Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
Hockney, one of Britain's most celebrated living artists, first gained prominence in the 1960s for his vivid, sun-drenched paintings of swimming pools and domestic life in California. His work often explored homosexual desire and identity during a period when societal attitudes were far less tolerant. The citation for his honour explicitly referenced the 'courage and integrity' he showed in portraying same-sex relationships in a positive light at a time when homosexuality was still criminalised in much of the world.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King described Hockney as 'an artist of immense talent and moral conviction, whose work has brought joy and illumination to millions.' The monarch added that Hockney's 'unflinching depiction of a world free from prejudice serves as an inspiration to us all.'
Hockney, who divides his time between Bridlington in East Yorkshire and Los Angeles, said he was 'deeply touched' by the recognition. 'I have always painted what I see and what I feel,' he said. 'If that has helped others to see the world differently, then I am grateful.'
The honour is the latest in a long list of accolades for Hockney, who has also received the Order of Merit and the Royal Academy's highest award. However, it comes at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under renewed threat in several countries around the world. Human rights groups have reported a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and violence in recent years, particularly in parts of Africa, Eastern Europe, and the United States.
Professor Alice Gregory, a cultural historian at the University of Cambridge, said Hockney's work had been 'a beacon of hope' for many. 'His paintings and prints depicted a vision of gay life that was not defined by tragedy or shame, but by happiness, beauty, and normalcy,' she said. 'That was radical in the 1960s and 1970s, and it remains powerful today.'
The ceremony, which was conducted under strict confidentiality protocols, lasted approximately 20 minutes. No photographs were released, contrary to usual practice for such honours. A palace spokesperson said the decision was made 'out of respect for the artist's preference for privacy.'
Hockney's career has not been without controversy. In 2014, he faced criticism for comments about the use of the iPad in art, which some interpreted as dismissive of digital media. He also drew ire from some quarters for his outspoken opposition to Brexit. However, his artistic legacy remains largely uncontested. His 1972 painting 'Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)' sold for $90 million at auction in 2018, making it one of the most expensive works by a living artist.
The honour places Hockney among a select group of artists recognised for their contribution to British culture and human rights, including the sculptor Anish Kapoor and the writer Salman Rushdie. It also reinforces the softening stance of the monarchy towards LGBTQ+ issues, a shift that became more pronounced after the King's late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, granted royal assent to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act in 2013.
As Hockney left Windsor Castle, he was said to have remarked to an aide: 'It's a good day to be alive.'
