Art is like food, music, wine and all of the things that allow us to have our own unique sensory experience. When I first began studying contemporary art and came across David Hockney, it was immediately clear that his work was one of the best representations of what spoke to me.

Considered to be Britain’s greatest contemporary artist, Hockney died at his home on Thursday at age 88. Alex Farquharson, the Director of The Tate Britain Museum said, “He taught us about the joy of looking, seeing things the rest of us failed to notice – his witty and sharp observations a constant presence within his work and in person”.

There was a playfulness in all his work and a vibrant sense of color that connected with everyone who ever engaged with his artwork. Hockney was also aware of the incredible personal benefits that came with being in the studio and making artwork. In his last major interview, Hockney said: “I don’t know how long I’m going to live. But I assume I’ll die soon, rather than later, and so I want to work every day.”