The Lowdown on Investment: David Hockney

A painter, printmaker, photographer, designer, and writer. It's understandable why David Hockney is widely celebrated as one of the most inspiring living artists of our time. If you're looking to invest in art, continue reading to find out why you should be choosing David Hockney.

1. Iconic Artist

David Hockney is a highly acclaimed and influential artist, known for his contribution to the pop art movement and his distinctive style.

Whilst he may be most famed for his paintings, his range of works includes drawings, photographic collages and, most recently, digital works.

During the lockdown of 2020, he used his iPad to illustrate the arrival of springtime in Normandy and began reflecting on how technology has transformed his practice.

2. Timeless Appeal

Hockney's use of bright colours, bold lines, and engaging compositions make his work visually appealing and timeless. This means that his pieces are likely to remain popular and valuable for many years to come.

For instance, Hockney’s hallmark work A Bigger Splash - whilst capturing the scene of optimistic, post-war, 60s California remains prominent today being a star attraction at the Tate Britain in London.

3. High Demand

Hockney's work continues to be in high demand with total sales of $590 million between 2015 and 2022. He is also the most valuable pop artist from the UK with a current auction record set in 2018 of $90 million.

Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) realised $90.3 million in November 2018 to become one of the most expensive works of art by a living artist ever sold at auction.

Following this outstanding record, his 1969 double portrait of Henry Geldzahler and Christopher Scott sold for £37.6m at Christie’s London in March 2019, having previously achieved a final price of $1.1 million 27 years earlier in 1992.

4. Limited Edition Prints

Hockney has created high-quality limited edition prints of some of his most iconic works, making it easier for collectors to purchase and invest in his work at a more accessible price point.

Collectors can enjoy an array of Hockney’s digital iPad works in limited edition prints. Whilst this project was a lifeline for him, it also extended a necessary message of hope out to the public.

5. Widely Represented

Hockney's work is widely represented in galleries and museums around the world, and he is considered to be one of the most important artists of the 20th century. This widespread recognition and reputation adds to the value and investment potential of his work.

The Met Museum, The Hirshhorn Museum and The British Museum are just some of the many institutions that have acquired Hockney works in their collection. And despite being 85 years of age, there are no signs to say he may be slowing down.

This year, we can expect to see the largest ever solo exhibition of his works in Asia at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo as well as an immersive, personal journey through 60 years of his art in a brand-new space Lightroom in London.