AIBU to dislike David Hockney for opposing the smoking ban?

[Bertiebiscuit]

I always disliked David Hockney for his campaign against the Smoking indoors in public places ban, probably the best thing the then sensible Labour government did for public health and predictably the Guardian supported him - that rag is always on the wrong side of history. No doubt he would have lived longer had he had any sense. That legislation brought in stop smoking clinics, trained smoking cessation counsellors and inspired stop smoking aids like nicotine replacement therapy. Probably the biggest positive change in public health since sewers and soap. One selfish old man with no children did his level best to interfere, we should not deify him.

Oh F Off! The world has lost a true genius, who brought so much joy to life, and that's all you can think of to say, OP?
I am a lifelong non-smoker, but I rather admired Hockney for railing against all the bossiness in the world.
Yes, we knew he was old and frail, but today is a truly sad day for all of us who loved his colour, enthusiasm and quirkiness.

I mean he was wrong on this issue,but that in itself is not a reason to like or dislike him.

it’s like saying that his support for gay rights means that we have to automatically like him.

Selfish old man with no children? Wow, just wow.

What an absolutely crazy post

I don’t have any kids. Does that make me a selfish old woman?

FYI for any Hockney fans, there’s a permanent exhibition of his at Salt’s Mill in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, which is amazing.

Editing to add that the exhibition in Saltaire is free.

Maybe he just really loved smoking? Chill out op. There’s bigger fish to fry.

'This man had a view I didn't like- you must dislike him too, even though he's now dead and couldn't care less what any of us think.'

No thanks, OP.

Did you have to post this today? I'm not sure if you are being insensitive or just goady, but do try to have a little respect hey?

It’s great, isn’t it? I loved it. My abiding memory will always be going to see the Spring Time in Normandy show at the RA. It was my first gallery visit after lockdown. A huge room filled with daffodils, sunshine and fizzing blossom. It fed my soul and made me feel optimistic about the world. My step was lighter when I left.

What?! Why do even care. And how long do you expect him to have lived?!

Exactly this. I mean you don't even have to think he was a great artist. But this thread is everything that is wrong with the world right now: person had an opinion that OP disagreed with so OP has to take to the internet and talk about how much they dislike the man entirely.

Grow. Up.

The Saltaire exhibition is fabulous! We spent hours there, having just popped in for a cup of tea to break a long journey.

It’s astonishing that you think today is the day to start this thread @Bertiebiscuit. I feel quite sorry for you tbh.

What an odd thing to say, OP. Are you OK?

The Saltaire Exhibition is wonderful, called in when visiting Bradford. Well worth a visit, lovely place to have a wander around .

He did such a lively, vibrant and unique stained glass window for Westminster Abbey. There was a programme about him doing this - he came across as a very thoughtful, perceptive and talented man.

Westminster Abbey Queen's Window by David Hockney revealed - BBC News

What? His death was announced today and you’re on about the smoking ban?

He’s died. He was a great artist and (shock, horror) he was perfectly entitled to have his opinion regarding the totally legal act of smoking.

Don’t be ridiculous. You have basically said you are happy he has died because he didn’t agree with your opinion on smoking and he had the nerve not to add to the planet’s overpopulation, have children.

That is an odd take on it.

Do you have evidence that he was a bad person? Or is it always cause for celebration when a person who is pro smoking and childfree dies? Even if they were one of the most important artists of their time?

He’s my second favourite artist. Didn’t know he’d died until I read the OP. It’s a loss for sure. I went to his big exhibition in London a few years ago, have been to Saltaire a few times and also to Lille for an exhibition of his. His iPad art was also amazing.

He was entitled to campaign against the smoking ban. I assume he wasn’t walking around Tesco illegally lighting up?

what does his lack of children have to do with anything? He was gay wasn’t he, so far less likely to have kids.

You're entitled to feel how you feel, but I'm a little perplexed that you feel so strongly you'd make a post about it.

I also didn't know he had died (neither does my Alexa!) but he was 88!

It was unnecessary to post this today. Hockney has created an amazing legacy, he was a great artist, personality and eccentric. He was a northern, working class, homosexual who had great success in the art world despite all these odds against him. He has lived and continued working prolifically to a great age (despite being a chain smoker) and we should be celebrating him.

So you disagreed with his views on smoking in public places (a minor issue in a world full of much worse things), but is that really a reason to actively dislike someone? Strange way to evaluate whether someone is likeable or not. There's lots of people who have different opinions to me, I don't dislike them for that unless it's something totally abhorrent they support.

Oh bugger off

Jesus, some people need to grow up.

I also disagree with his position on the smoking ban. I worked in a pub pre-ban and is was awful to work in. However, I’m mature enough to accept some people will take a different view.

Your suggestion that his achievements as an artist and as a person should be “cancelled” or negated by one opinion you disagree with is sixth form politics at its finest.

David Hockney was one of the finest artists we’ve ever produced, and should be celebrated.

OP hasn't been back. What a surprise.