Damien Hirst is one of the most influential – and controversial – artists of his generation. He pushes the boundaries of contemporary art; just take a look at his iconic formaldehyde animals! He explores themes of life, death and the nature of value, merging art, science and philosophy.
Explore our collection of Damien Hirst artwork here at Grove Gallery, with prices starting at just £4,400.
Damien Hirst redefined the landscape of contemporary art. Known for his provocative, often polarising works, Hirst’s art confronts themes of mortality, beauty, and the commodification of life. His fascination with death is exemplified in his iconic series The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, featuring a preserved shark suspended in formaldehyde, which shocked and enthralled audiences alike.
Throughout his career, Hirst has worked across diverse media, from painting and sculpture to installation, often blurring the lines between art and science. His Spot Paintings and Spin Paintings series exemplify his experimental approach, creating visually striking and commercially successful pieces that continue to captivate collectors and critics.
Despite the controversy surrounding his work, including accusations of shock value over substance, Hirst has built a multi-faceted career that spans art, business, and even philanthropy.
Hirst’s work is deeply philosophical, posing questions about the value we place on life, death, and art itself. Whether it's a diamond-encrusted skull or a butterfly-covered canvas, each piece invites the viewer to confront the fragility of existence and the permanence of art. His art continues to evolve, engaging with modern-day concerns and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Damien Hirst remains one of the most important and influential artists of his time, using his work to provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and redefine the role of art in contemporary society. His pieces, held in collections around the world, are a testament to his ability to evoke profound reactions and stir critical dialogue across the global art community.
Damien Hirst Art FAQs
How much does Damien Hirst’s art cost?
Damien Hirst’s original paintings can cost anything from thousands of pounds to tens of millions of pounds. His most expensive piece, Lullaby Spring, sold for $19,213,270 back in 2007 – setting a record for the most expensive work of art by a living artist.
His 2008 auction Beautiful Inside My Head Forever, where he bypassed traditional galleries and sold his works directly, broke records by raising £111 million across 218 lots.
His prints and limited editions can also fetch substantial sums, with some limited edition prints selling for over £100,000 at auction.
You can buy Damien Hirst’s artwork for £4,400 at Grove Gallery, including pieces from his Butterfly Spin series, Circle Spin series, Heart Spin series and more.
How did Hirst get started?
Hirst rose to prominence in the 1990s as part of the Young British Artists (YBAs). His path to fame began in Leeds, where he developed a passion for art in his youth, later attending Goldsmiths, University of London. It was here that he curated the groundbreaking Freeze exhibition, which showcased his and his peers' works, catapulting him into the spotlight.
What are Damien Hirst’s most famous pieces?
One of his most famous pieces is The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living – a work featuring a formaldehyde-preserved tiger shark.
For the Love of God is another notable piece – a platinum cast of a human skull decorated with over 8,000 diamonds, which explores the relationship between material wealth and mortality.
