Damien Hirst “Beautiful Inside My Head Forever” Auction Recap
by Eugene Kan, September 16, 2008
The world’s economic landscape in turmoil and uncertainty coupled with the declaration of bankruptcy by huge financial services firm Lehman Brothers, together these were not enough to stop artist Damien Hirst from collecting a record pay-day at the auction blocks. Following by phone as he casually played snooker, Damien Hirst’s total sales for his “Beautiful Inside My Head Forever” auction eclipsed previous predictions despite all external economic forces seemingly working against him. Monumental for various reasons, this auction is further proof that the art world seems impervious to any economic downturn with the predicted lot valued at $112 million USD finishing off at $127.2 million USD. A break-down of various prices can be seen through an article by Carol Vogel over at the NY Times.
Hirst is hit and miss, but the auction comes off as a disappointment to me. It feels like a lot of these pieces are going to status obsessed monomaniacs who are more likely to decorate their beach house with the winnings than display it in a public gallery. If this becomes a trend, you have to wonder if the elite of the art world are done with communicating with any sort of audience and are fine with making collectibles for the super rich.
Hirst is out of control. This is a monumental event for a fantastic artist. I can’t wait for his next stuff when he goes back to painting and lays off of the mass produced works with the assistance of his massive staff.
I’m pretty sure that lot doesn’t give a care about the U.S. economy
Our economy is heading down, but you have to remember that most of the people at those auctions have more money than sense.
i got he shark!