Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst (born 7 June 1965 in Bristol, UK) is one of the most influential and controversial contemporary artists. Associated with the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement of the 1990s, he is known for his provocative works that explore themes of life, death and the value of art.

Hirst achieved fame with iconic works such as "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living" (a tiger shark preserved in formaldehyde) and the series of chemists and shop windows that evoke the medical and scientific world. He has also created works with butterflies, diamond-encrusted skulls (such as For the Love of God, 2007) and spot paintings (Spot Paintings).

He has become one of the richest artists in the world, known for selling his works directly at auction without the intermediation of galleries. Hirst continues to be a central figure in the contemporary art world, challenging conventions and redefining the concept of artistic value.