Damien Hirst British, b. 1965

Damien Hirst was born in Bristol in 1965. Whilst studying at Goldsmith’s College, in 1988 he curated Freeze- a ground-breaking show featuring the work of his contemporaries as well as his own. He rose to fame after Charles Saatchi promoted him as one of the Young British Artists in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Raised as a Catholic, but no longer practising, Hirst often touches on human concerns of existence- how we attempt to make sense of life and death. The spectator is invited to challenge their own preconceptions of what is named sacred or profane. Hirst creates pieces designed to shock and enthral- from the famous formaldehyde-filled tank and floating shark, to the mercilessly pinned butterflies and a beautifully expensive diamond encrusted skull.

The artist currently lives and works in Devon and London.