Damien Hirst, born in Bristol in 1965, is one of the most influential artists of our time and a leading figure among the „Young British Artists“. His rise to fame began in 1988 with the exhibition „Freeze“, which he curated and which reinvented contemporary art. In his work, Hirst reflects on the complex relationships between beauty, religion, science, life and death. He is known for his provocative works in which he uses formaldehyde to preserve biological objects in order to explore the boundary between art and science.

Other iconic series include his „Spot Paintings“, which are characterised by their machine-like appearance, and the energetic „Spin Paintings“, which always contain a random element. A highlight of his work is the diamond skull „For the Love of God“, a platinum cast set with over 8,000 diamonds, which thematises the competitive nature of capitalist society. With projects such as „Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable“, Hirst also creates complex fictional narratives. His works can now be found in the most important collections worldwide, including the MoMA in New York and the Tate in London.