Bio
Damien Hirst was born on June 7, 1965, in Bristol and grew up in Leeds. He had a difficult childhood; his father left the family when he was young, and he was known as a rebellious teenager. Despite this, he developed an early interest in art. He later studied at Goldsmiths College in London, where he graduated in the late 1980s and began to gain attention for his innovative ideas.
His breakthrough came in 1988 when he organized the exhibition Freeze, playing a key role in the emergence of the Young British Artists. This group became known for its provocative and experimental art. In the 1990s, Hirst became internationally famous, partly thanks to the support of collector Charles Saatchi.
Hirst is known for his striking and often controversial artworks that explore themes such as death, science, and religion. His most famous works include The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (1991), a shark preserved in formaldehyde, Mother and Child (Divided) (1993), featuring a cow and calf, and For the Love of God (2007), a diamond-encrusted skull. His work often provokes strong reactions: some consider it brilliant, while others find it shocking.
In 2008, he made headlines again by selling his work directly at auction through Sotheby’s, without involving a gallery. In addition to his installations, Hirst also creates paintings, including his well-known “spot paintings” and “spin paintings”. Today, he is considered one of the most influential and wealthiest contemporary artists.