Sunday, June 17, 2007

Good Ol' Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst has had another news-worthy piece unveiled as part of a larger show--a skull encrusted with diamonds. Details about the skull itself, the piece's cost and value, and its meaning are already being reported with varying levels of credibility, but the point is that it is in keeping with this artist's shock value. Actually, it's not as gross as many of his previous controversial pieces. If he was really about the art and not the price tag, why did he use such fine diamonds? He could have achieved the same result with cheaper grades. Of particular interest: the point has been brought up that the piece might be a commentary on blood diamonds or rather the lack thereof. Up til now, I don't think Hirst has exactly been the social justice/activist type, but okay.........You gotta hand it to the guy, he does get news coverage!

No comments: