David Hockney depicted a 'peaceful, gay paradise' when homosexuality was a crime
The painter broke social taboos by celebrating same-sex relationships in his art.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"He was really pioneering as somebody who was unashamedly proud of his queerness before the legalisation of homosexuality in '67."
— Dominic James Bilton , Activist
"I can still remember the feeling of awe and deep peace the first time I saw it."
— Joe Thomas , Influencer
"But they're also a strong act of protest at a time when showing queer lives as normalised or domesticated was very much avoided."
— James Marshall , Activist
Key People
Hockney was one of the UK's most important and popular artists known for his vibrant and innovative artworks.
Dominic James Bilton is the co-leader of the Queer British Art Network.
James Marshall is a curator and art commentator emphasizing the importance of Hockney's early work.
Joe Thomas is a lifelong fan of Hockney with a tattoo of one of his famous paintings.
Locations
All Coverage
The painter broke social taboos by celebrating same-sex relationships in his art.
The painter broke social taboos by celebrating same-sex relationships in his art.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
King leads tributes to 'giant of the art world' David Hockney
The artist, who has died at the age of 88, "was one of life's true originals", King Charles says.
June 12, 2026 at 05:00 PMJack Savoretti on 'leaning into a midlife crisis'
The singer reflects on 20 years as a musician and how moving to Oxfordshire helped his music.
June 19, 2026 at 05:10 AMRussian artist and Putin critic shot dead in Poland
Robert Kuzovkov, who used the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, has been known for his caricatures of politicians including Vladimir Putin.
June 16, 2026 at 10:37 AM'Dancing girl's' bare torso restored in Indian textbook after backlash
A picture in a new school textbook had covered up the naked torso of the famous figurine with dark shading.
June 16, 2026 at 07:05 AMAward-winning investigative journalist Roger Cook dies aged 83
The New Zealand-born reporter was credited with having invented the doorstep interview technique.
June 15, 2026 at 10:23 AMBBC sees destroyed villages in Israeli-occupied southern Lebanon
Travelling with a humanitarian convoy, BBC's Hugo Bachega has been given rare access to a part of Lebanon under Israeli occupation.
June 20, 2026 at 04:37 PM