Damien Hirst Quotes

A collection of quotes by Damien Hirst.

Damien Hirst, born on June 7, 1965, in Bristol, England, is a renowned British contemporary artist. Hirst first gained significant attention in the art world during the 1990s as part of the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement. Known for his provocative and controversial works, he often explores themes related to life, death, and the fragility of human existence.

One of Hirst's most notable series is the "Natural History" works, which includes his infamous piece, "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living." This artwork features a preserved tiger shark suspended in formaldehyde, challenging notions of mortality and the boundaries of art.

Throughout his career, Hirst has employed various media, including painting, sculpture, installation, and even medicine cabinet assemblages. He frequently incorporates found objects and materials into his artworks, further blurring the line between art and everyday life.

Hirst's works have attracted worldwide recognition and have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums around the globe. He has received numerous accolades, including the Turner Prize in 1995. Hirst's work often elicits strong reactions and continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art. His controversial pieces have sparked critical debates and have solidified his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

I've been asked to do a retrospective since I was about 28 a

I've been asked to do a retrospective since I was about 28 and I always thought that was a bit odd. It's great to look forward as an artist because in the future the possibilities are infinite you look back and it's all fixed so it's a scary thing.

The idea of going on tour for the rest of my life with old w

The idea of going on tour for the rest of my life with old works is not that exciting. As an artist I definitely think the work in future is going to be better than the work in the past, otherwise why do it?

The difference between art about death and actual death is t

The difference between art about death and actual death is that one's a celebration and the other's a dull fact.

I think I like big issues, but I don't believe in God or rel

I think I like big issues, but I don't believe in God or religion.

Since I was a child, death is definitely something that I th

Since I was a child, death is definitely something that I think about every day. But I think that everybody does. You try and avoid it, but it's such a big thing that you can't.

But I think it's more that when you're young, you're invinci

But I think it's more that when you're young, you're invincible, you're immortal - or at least you think you are. The possibilities are limitless, you're inventing the future. Then you get older and suddenly you have a history. It's fixed. You can't change anything. I find that a bit disturbing, to be honest.

No, I don't believe in genius. I believe in freedom. I think

No, I don't believe in genius. I believe in freedom. I think anyone can do it. Anyone can be like Rembrandt.

Great art - or good art - is when you look at it, experience

Great art - or good art - is when you look at it, experience it and it stays in your mind. I don't think conceptual art and traditional art are all that different.

In an artwork you're always looking for artistic decisions,

In an artwork you're always looking for artistic decisions, so an ashtray is perfect. An ashtray has got life and death.

Being best is a false goal, you have to measure success on y

Being best is a false goal, you have to measure success on your own terms.

I have always been aware that you have to get people listeni

I have always been aware that you have to get people listening before you can change their minds. Any artist's big fear is being ignored, so if you get debate, that's great.

I always feel like the art's there and I just see it, so it'

I always feel like the art's there and I just see it, so it's not really a lot of work.

I was taught to confront things you can't avoid. Death is on

I was taught to confront things you can't avoid. Death is one of those things. To live in a society where you're trying not to look at it is stupid because looking at death throws us back into life with more vigour and energy. The fact that flowers don't last for ever makes them beautiful.