MCA DENVER presents Damien Hirst’s signature works, including Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain, 2007 from his Natural History series presenting animals preserved in formaldehyde and displayed in large glass vitrines. His butterfly paintings offer a sense of beauty, vulnerability and tragedy. A medicine cabinet sculpture connects animals and humans to science as pharmaceuticals are created using a combination of synthetic and organic materials. Hirst’s work addresses various themes, largely in response to his personal experience and background. Religion and mortality are reflected through his Pop sensibility which is direct, yet tongue-in-cheek. Often evoking outrage, intrigue and awe, Hirst challenges established societal attitudes through new explorations of classical themes in art to offer new perspectives on questions of life and death. He is regarded among the most successful living artists working today and is recognized as the preeminent YBA (Young British Artist.)

Damien Hirst was born in Bristol, United Kingdom in 1965. He lives and works in London and Devon, UK. He received a BA in Fine Art from Goldsmiths College, London, UK. In 1995, he was the recipient of the prestigious Turner Prize. The list of exhibitions and collections featuring works by Damien Hirst is illustrious. Landmark exhibitions include Young British Artists (1992) at Saatchi Gallery, London; Sensation (1995) at the Royal Academy, London and a solo exhibition at Gagosian Gallery, New York in 2000. In an unprecedented step, Hirst recently offered his work directly at auction, bypassing the gallery and museum circuit.

Sponsored by Scott Miller & Tim Gill, Alan Becker, Ellen Bruss & Mark Falcone, Mary Caulkins & Karl Kister, Nöel & Tom Congdon, Philae & Peter Dominick, Joanne & Ronnie Katz, Carol Keller, Pat Reynolds & Peter Kirsch and Emily Sinclair & Jay Kenney.

Above: Damien Hirst, Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain, 2007 (detail), glass, steel, bullock, arrows, crossbow bolts and formaldehyde solution, 126 3/4 x 61 1/4 x 61 1/4 inches. Courtesy of the Goss-Michael Foundation. Photo by Prudence Cuming Associates. © Damien Hirst.