David Hockney’s pop-art legacy on display at Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Known for his vibrant pop-art style and bold use of color, artist David Hockney has inspired generations of creatives around the world. that legacy is on display right here in the Cape Fear region, where three of his works are featured at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington.

From iconic swimming pools that evoke memories of carefree summer days to vivid floral compositions that can inspire a sense of calm, Hockney’s art is designed to spark emotional connection. That connection, museum officials say, is exactly what he intended—inviting viewers not just to see his work, but to feel it.

Hockney died on June 11th, just days before what would have been his 89th birthday. But his influence continues through his artwork, which remains a focal point of the museum’s collection.

Benjamin Billingsley, an art curator at the Cameron Art Museum, says Hockney’s impact extends beyond his artistic innovation.

“He was incredibly brave, especially in the 1960s and 70s, painting same-sex couples and showing them as part of everyday life,” Billingsley said. “It made people feel less afraid and more seen.”

In addition to his well-known pool and landscape imagery, the museum also features Hockney’s piece The Wave, which showcases a more abstract side of his work and highlights the breadth of his artistic experimentation.

Hockney will be buried next to his mother Laura, and his sister Margaret.