Museum quality art for your real-life

"I never let money get in the way of an idea."

British, b. 1965

Biography of Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst, the enfant terrible of British art, was born in Bristol, England in 1965. His early life wasn't steeped in art, but a formative experience working in a mortuary undoubtedly left a mark. This fascination with death and mortality would become a recurring theme in his work.

Hirst attended Goldsmiths College in London, a breeding ground for Young British Artists (YBAs) who challenged the art establishment. Here, he honed his shocking and often controversial conceptual art. His most famous series, "Natural History," showcased preserved animals in formaldehyde, suspended in vitrines. From a dissected shark to a pickled cow, these works confronted viewers with the stark realities of life and death.

Hirst wasn't afraid to push boundaries. He used dot paintings, spin paintings created by machines, and even encrusted a human skull with diamonds (later sold for a reported £50 million). His works sparked debates about art, value, and the ethics of using animal remains.

Love him or hate him, Hirst's impact on the art world is undeniable. He blurred the lines between art and commerce, becoming a shrewd businessman who exhibited and sold his own work. His record-breaking auctions propelled him to superstardom, making him one of the wealthiest artists alive. Despite criticism, Hirst's provocative art continues to challenge viewers and spark conversations, solidifying his place as a major figure in contemporary art.

About The Damien Hirst Art Market

Damien Hirst's art market is a story of controversy, shock value, and stratospheric prices. He exploded onto the scene in the 1990s as part of the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement, challenging traditional notions of art with his provocative works.

His signature series, "Natural History," featuring animals suspended in formaldehyde, became instant conversation pieces. These, along with his spot paintings and diamond-encrusted skull, pushed boundaries and attracted both praise and criticism.

Hirst embraced the business side of art, bypassing galleries and auction houses to hold his own record-breaking sales. In 2008, he sold a staggering £111 million ($200 million at the time) worth of his own work directly through Sotheby's, a move seen as audacious and market-manipulative by some.

Despite, or perhaps because of, the controversy, Hirst's art market continues to thrive. Though prices fluctuated in recent years, some of his works remain highly valuable. In 2023, a collector paid a staggering £32 million for a "Shark" sculpture.

Hirst's market is not without critics. Some argue the focus on shock value overshadows artistic merit. However, his ability to command such high prices and ignite public discourse solidify his position as a major influencer in the contemporary art market.