Damien Hirst Retrospective Opens at Tate Modern
The wait is finally over as Tate Modern opens its doors to one of its most highly-anticipated shows for some time.
Damien Hirst’s huge retrospective features the celebrated yet controversial British artist’s work from the late 1980s to the present day.
Ever since he first showed his work alongside fellow Goldsmiths students at the Freeze warehouse show in 1998 Hirst has been pushing the boundaries of art (and taste) and this show collects all the famous bits together in one place.
The exhibition includes iconic sculptures from his Natural History series, including The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living 1991 (pickled shark to you and me), his more recent diamond-encrusted skull, and lots of butterflies.
As well as paintings and etchings of butterflies there’s an entire room dedicated to the winged insect where hundreds of live butterflies fly and around and feed on fruit.
Hirst’s spot paintings and spin paintings are also on show offering a break from the grander installation pieces.
All in all it’s an expansive and eye-opening collection that’s worth visiting even if you’re not Hirst’s biggest fan.
“I didn't start considering a retrospective until I got to the point when I was ready and I've enjoyed it more than I thought I would,” says Hirst. “I think it looks good. I'm maybe a little bit proud of it. It looks a lot fresher and more exciting than I thought it would.”
Damien Hirst is at Tate Modern from April 4 – September 9
