Damien Hirst was born in Bristol, England, in 1965 and grew up in Leeds. As one of the most prominent figures of the Young British Artists (YBAs), Hirst redefined the boundaries of contemporary art in the late 20th century. After studying Fine Art at Goldsmiths College in London, he gained early recognition for curating the groundbreaking 1988 exhibition Freeze, which launched his international career. Hirst’s work explores themes of life, death, beauty, and value—often through provocative materials and striking conceptual contrasts.
From his famous formaldehyde sculptures, such as The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, to his dazzling Spot Paintings and Butterfly Series, Hirst has consistently challenged artistic and moral conventions. His works are held in leading institutions and private collections worldwide, including Tate Modern and the Museum of Modern Art. With record-breaking auction results and sustained collector demand, Hirst remains one of the most valuable and influential contemporary artists today.
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