David Hockney, one of Britain's leading contemporary artists, was born on July 9, 1937, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. After studying at the Bradford School of Art for four years from 1953, he enrolled at the Royal College of Art in London in 1959. There, he encountered the works of American Abstract Expressionists such as Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko. While still a student, he exhibited in various exhibitions and became involved in the Pop Art movement. In 1961, he traveled to the United States for the first time, where he became acquainted with American artists and fashion designers such as Ossie Clark. In 1963, he held his first solo exhibition in London, and began appearing frequently in the media around this time. That same year, he moved to New York, where he became acquainted with Andy Warhol and Dennis Hopper. In 1964, he began working in California. His use of acrylic, a relatively new medium at the time, and his style, which seemed to break down the boundaries between painting and illustration, garnered high praise. He continued to produce works incorporating a variety of techniques, including photography, collage, and watercolors, establishing himself as an artist. He lived in Paris from 1973 to 1975, where he also designed sets and costumes for ballet and opera. In January 2012, he was awarded the Order of Merit, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of British art and culture. Hockney's work is currently on display at the "LOVE: The Art of Love" exhibition at the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi. Furthermore, the Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2014 men's collection, unveiled in London last month, was inspired by the work of British artist Allan Bennett and Hockney. The bright colors, small polka dots, and floral patterns are inspired by Hockney's pop art.