From April 4 through September 9, the Tate Modern will stage the first serious UK exhibition of major works by Damien Hirst, one of Britain’s most influential, controversial and wealthy artists. Many of his famous sculptures — including, of course, the famous/infamous shark suspended in formaldehyde – will be on display. It’s our job to get you better acquainted with the exhibit. So let’s have Damien Hirst, the artist himself, take you on a tour of the big affair. The program above, Damien Hirst – The First Look, originally aired on Channel 4 in the UK. You can also watch Hirst wander through the exhibition with curator Ann Gallagher right here. Finally, you might want to spend a few minutes with a review by Oliver Wallington, an artist who wonders whether the emperor of art “has no clothes.” Or scan the review at The Guardian, which quietly raises eyebrows of its own.
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I have to admit, his “art” is original and provocative. It is no wonder that he’s a bit controversial.
It would be super interesting to be able to see the art exhibit in real life, but the UK is far away for me.
Hirst is neither original or provocative in my book. As to be original he would have had to avoid direct plagiarism in his work (which he clearly doesn’t) and his work would have to have some kind of meaningful resonance in order for it to actually provoke a response other than dreary dismissal and frustration.
“I have to admit, his “art” is original and provocative.” Is that you, Damien?