Damien Hirst in Amsterdam

Beauty and Death

Hirst’s fascination with life and death is most famously captured in his formaldehyde series. His use of real animals like sharks, sheep, and cows that are preserved in glass tanks pushes the boundaries of art and science. The viewer is left to contemplate the tension between natural beauty and the inevitability of death. His piece Mother and Child (Divided), which won the prestigious Turner Prize in 1995, features a cow and calf split in half, preserved and displayed in glass tanks, which forced the viewer to confront the stark reality of mortality.

At Moco Museum Amsterdam, Hirst’s exploration of life and death continues to captivate. His use of real butterflies in Omnipotence reflects this same theme of beauty and death existing side by side. The delicate arrangement of the butterflies’ wings creates a sense of order and symmetry, contrasting with the unsettling reality that the butterflies themselves are real.

The Shock Factor

Hirst’s work has always divided opinion… And that’s exactly the point. His ability to transform provocative concepts into high art has made him one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. From his infamous diamond-encrusted skull For the Love of God to his early pharmaceutical cabinet series, Hirst’s art questions the meaning of life, value, and belief systems.

Critics have accused Hirst of sensationalism and commercialism, but his ability to command attention is undeniable. His art has been displayed in major galleries around the world, including the Damien Hirst exhibition Amsterdam 2017 at Kunsthuis Amsterdam, where his work drew record-breaking crowds. His influence on modern art continues to resonate, making him one of the most commercially successful and controversial artists of his generation.

Hirst in Amsterdam

Hirst’s exploration of mortality, value, and human fascination with death remains as relevant now as it was in the 1990s. His ability to provoke, question, and inspire ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come. Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, Hirst’s work at Moco Museum Amsterdam is a must-see.