DAMIEN HIRST, TATE MODERN: 5 April-9 September 2012
 

By Rachael Stubbins

Arguably the most controversial and influential artist of contemporary art, the Tate Modern will be showcasing some of Hirst's most representative pieces from the past twenty years as part of the London 2012 Festival.

Fans will be excited to see two of his most notorious animal works up close: The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living and Mother and Child Divided. These animal presentations, preserved in formaldehyde, are international symbols of modern British art.

Other highlights are In and Out of Love, the two-part installation that has not been shown together since its creation in 1991; Pharmacy, a life-size recreation of a pharmacy room; the spot, spin, butterfly and fly collections; and 1000 Years, consisting of a gruesome cow's head and flies to represent the cycle of life.

For the Love of God, a platinum skull covered in 8,601 diamonds and weighing an impressive 1106.18 carats, will make its first appearance in London since 2007. How will Londoners react to such a luxurious and expensive piece of art in the present era of economic depression? The iconic piece, sold for a record-breaking £50m at auction, will be on display in the Turbine Hall.

Hirst's most well-known pieces found fame through media exposure. As the first retrospective survey of his art in a British institution, the Tate's exhibition will give viewers the opportunity to experience his work in a whole new way. Is Hirst successful through his use of shock tactics alone? If so, is there anything wrong with that? For the first time, come and see Hirst's work stripped of media hype. Whether admiration, disgust or surprise, this exhibition is sure to provoke a reaction.

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