‘I worked every day’: How David Hockney fell in love with France during the Covid lockdowns
British artist David Hockney, who died at the age of 88 on Thursday, fell in love with the French countryside in the last few years of his life. He settled in Normandy in 2019, where he lived during …
British artist David Hockney, who died at the age of 88 on Thursday, fell in love with the French countryside in the last few years of his life. He se
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
Hockney’s late-life embrace of Normandy offers a poignant counterpoint to the isolation of the pandemic, illustrating how art and nature can transform personal exile into creative reinvention. It also underscores the cultural draw of rural France for global creatives—a phenomenon that reshapes local economies and artistic traditions beyond metropolitan hubs.
Background Context
Normandy’s allure for artists stretches back centuries, from the Impressionists who flocked to its light-drenched landscapes to the post-war writers who sought refuge in its pastoral quiet. Hockney’s move in 2019 coincided with a broader trend of wealthy expatriates and creatives seeking alternatives to London and Paris, often drawn by tax incentives and the region’s historic ties to art.
What Happens Next
The question now is whether Hockney’s legacy in Normandy will spur a new wave of artistic migration—or if his passing marks the end of an era for the region’s burgeoning reputation as a haven for painters. Local institutions may leverage his influence to attract tourism and arts funding, but the risk remains that his absence could dim the spotlight on a place that only recently began to shine.
Bigger Picture
Hockney’s story reflects a global shift in how artists navigate the interplay between isolation and community, particularly in an age of digital nomadism and climate migration. It also highlights France’s strategic role in attracting cultural capital, a dynamic that challenges the dominance of traditional art capitals like New York and Berlin.
