Damien Hirst British , b. 1965

Damien Hirst (b.1965, Bristol)  is a renowned British contemporary artist known for his provocative and controversial works that challenge the boundaries of art and question the nature of existence and mortality. One of Hirst's most iconic and controversial motifs is his fascination with mortality, frequently incorporating preserved animals, insects, and human body parts in formaldehyde within glass tanks, a series known as "The Natural History" or "The Cabinet of Curiosities." His art often explores themes of life, death, consumerism, and the fragility of human existence.

Hirst's art practice emerged during the 1980s and 1990s in the context of the YBAs who challenged traditional art conventions and garnered attention for their audacious and innovative approach. His works often play with the idea of value, as seen in the "Spot Paintings" series, where rows of colored spots are meticulously arranged and executed by his assistants, questioning the role of the artist and the mass-production of art.

In 1995, he was awarded the prestigious Turner Prize, solidifying his position as a prominent contemporary artist. He gained further acclaim with the 2012 retrospective exhibition "Damien Hirst: The Complete Spot Paintings 1986–2011" held at the Gagosian Gallery worldwide, showcasing his iconic Spot Paintings series. Another notable exhibition was "Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable" in 2017, where he presented an elaborate narrative of a fictional shipwreck with a vast collection of supposedly salvaged artifacts, challenging the concept of truth and authenticity in art. Damien Hirst's career has been marked by a consistent exploration of controversial themes and innovative techniques, making him one of the most influential and polarizing artists of his generation.