Love him or loathe him, Damien Hirst isn’t just part of the art world—he’s been shaking it by the horns (sometimes golden ones) for decades. A master of spectacle and controversy, Hirst has made an empire out of art, death, and everything in between. So, why does he still dominate headlines, and how will he be remembered? Dive in and find out.

In 2008, Hirst bypassed traditional galleries and sold a completely new body of work, Beautiful Inside My Head Forever, directly through Sotheby’s, generating a staggering £111 million ($200 million). This was an unprecedented move that reshaped the art market.

Hirst rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s as a key figure in the Young British Artists movement.

Consistently evolving his practice, shifting from formalized conceptual art (like his iconic Natural History series with preserved animals) to bold, colorful abstraction (Spin Paintings, Cherry Blossoms).

Recent exhibitions keep him in the spotlight:

"The Light That Shines" (2024) – A massive five-pavilion takeover at Château La Coste in France.

"Cherry Blossoms" (2021, Fondation Cartier, Paris) – A major departure from his formaldehyde works, showcasing a more painterly, impressionistic style.

During Hirst's groundbreaking auction at Sotheby's in 2008, his highest record was achieved and remains to this day.

Themes of death, religion, and consumerism are central to his work. His "Natural History" series (featuring animals preserved in formaldehyde) and "For the Love of God" (a diamond-encrusted skull) reflect his fascination with death.

Hirst extended his pharmaceutical exploration into large-scale sculptures, installations, and resin-based works. These include oversized pill bottles, tablets, and capsules that blur the lines between medical necessity and consumerism.

Hirst has been one of the world's wealthiest living artists, thanks to his prolific output, commercial mindset, and ability to blur the lines between art and commerce. His estimated net worth has fluctuated, but he remains a dominant force in the art market.