I have an ambivalence about the work of Damien Hirst. I don't know if it's just that I can't connect with his artwork and they don't speak directly to me or if it comes from somewhere else. His animals in formaldehyde, having explored them more, do present an interesting issue. The impossibility of death in the mind of someone living, is an interesting exploration of mortality in a very direct way and yet I still don't feel impacted by it. It doesn't shock or repulse me but has a little more meaning now I understand the concept behind these works. Equally, despite his spot designs being a marvellous play with colour and pattern, still make me cross, I realise!!!!! I think it's the knowledge that predominantly the technical production is undertaken by others. This is common practice and I love the work of artists like Tony Cragg who also employs technicians to assist with construction. This feeling presents a common dilemma of who's art it is. Obviously the concepts belong to Hirst and perhaps that is all that should matter. It feels a grey area still for me.
I have, however, found this image of this tryptych: "Doorways to the Kingdom of Heaven" I do like the middle eastern patterning and the arch shapes. It is a piece I'd like to see in a gallery setting to appreciate the colours and the intricate detail. This work using butterflies is mesmerising, as are a number of his other butterfly works. Perhaps I'm just an old fashioned appreciator of beauty and so struggle with the formaldehyde works!
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