15 Inspirational Quotes by Damien Hirst
CC Image courtesy of Andrew Russeth, Wiki Commons
As one of the most renowned contemporary artists alive today, Damien Hirst has produced thought-provoking works that explore universal themes. Beyond his iconic art, Damien Hirst’s own words provide inspiration to create without limits.
Damien Hirst’s quotes on life, death, money, and the artistic process reveal a mind unafraid to challenge convention. Hirst advises artists to pursue their vision relentlessly, collaborate fearlessly, and find joy in the act of making. He reminds us that art illuminates what it means to be human.
In this blog post, I set out 15 inspirational Damien Hirst quotes that can help us with our everyday life and our creativity.
For more motivational quotes from other artists, such Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Wassily Kandinsky, Grayson Perry, and more, please read here.
Damien Hirst: A Brief Background to his Achievements
Sensation Young British Artists from the Saatchi Collection installed at the Brooklyn Museum, 1999/2000
Damien Hirst is considered one of the most important British artists of the late 20th century. He first came to public attention in 1988 when he conceived and curated the group exhibition “Freeze” in London, which launched the careers of various young British artists. Hirst’s works explore themes of death, science, religion, and beauty through unconventional media like dead animals and pharmaceuticals.
Some of Hirst’s most renowned works include the shark suspended in formaldehyde titled The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, and the platinum skull encrusted with diamonds called For the Love of God. He is known for his “spot paintings” created by assistants on his direction that feature coloured spots in complex arrangements. Hirst also makes “spin paintings” by pouring paint on a spinning circular surface.
In the 1990s, Hirst became extremely wealthy through his art sales and won the Turner Prize in 1995. He collaborated with luxury goods company Louis Vuitton on a line of bags and accessories in the 2000s. In 2012, he created his most ambitious project to date by filling all eleven Gagosian galleries worldwide with over 300 new works. Hirst continues to produce provocative and hugely popular art that commands huge prices at auction. He is undoubtedly one of the most commercially successful contemporary artists living today.
15 Inspirational Damien Hirst Quotes
Here are 15 inspirational quotes by Damien Hirst, along with an explanation for each quote:
1. “It’s a Lot Easier to Make Art When You Don’t Have Any Money.”
Damien Hirst’s quote inspires creativity and resourcefulness, suggesting that limitations can fuel artistic innovation. (Although I’m not sure anyone without money would agree!)
2. “Art comes from everywhere. It’s your response to your surroundings.”
This Damien Hirst quote motivates artists to find inspiration in the ordinary and emphasises the personal connection between art and environment.
3. "The idea is more important than the object."
Damien Hirst encourages artists to prioritise concept and meaning over physical form, fostering deeper, thought-provoking creations.
4. “It's very easy to say, ‘I could have done that’, after someone’s done it. But I did it. You didn’t. It didn’t exist until I did it.”
Damien Hirst emphasises the value of action and uniqueness, inspiring artists to embrace their individuality and create boldly.
5. “I can’t understand why most people believe in medicine and don’t believe in art, without questioning either.”
Damien Hirst highlights the need to question and value art as a form of healing and introspection, promoting its significance.
6. “What I really like is minimum effort for maximum effect”
Damien Hirst’s efficiency-driven perspective inspires artists to create impactful works by focusing on the essence and minimising unnecessary complexities.
7. “I wanted a shark that’s big enough to eat you, and in a large enough amount of liquid so that you could imagine you were in there with it.”
Damien Hirst’s ambition inspires artists to push the boundaries of imagination and create works that evoke strong emotions and vivid experiences.
8. “The answer to how to live is to stop thinking about it.”
This Damien Hirst quote encourages artists and individuals to embrace life in the present moment and let go of excessive analysis and overthinking.
9. “I just wanted to find out where the boundaries were. So far I've found there aren’t any. I just wanted to be stopped, and no one will stop me.”
Damien Hirst’s determination inspires artists to challenge norms, explore uncharted territories, and persist despite resistance.
10. “I sometimes feel that I have nothing to say and I want to communicate this.”
Damien Hirst encourages artists to express even their doubts and inner struggles, highlighting the authenticity of artistic exploration.
11. “For me, art is always a kind of theatre.”
Damien Hirst sees art as a performance, motivating artists to approach their work with a sense of drama and captivation.
12. “I didn't want to make art what you could ignore.”
Damien Hirst’s quote challenges artists to create art that demands attention, advocating for the significance of art in our lives.
13. “You know, everybody makes crap paintings at some point.”
Damien Hirst’s humility inspires artists to embrace failures as part of the creative process and keep pushing forward.
14. “People don’t like contemporary art, but all art starts life as contemporary - I can’t really see a difference.”
Damien Hirst encourages artists to challenge preconceived notions and understand that their work is part of an evolving artistic tradition.
15. "I have always been aware that you have to get people listening before you can change their minds. Any artist’s big fear is being ignored, so if you get debate, that’s great."
Damien Hirst emphasises the power of art to provoke discussion, motivating artists to make thought-provoking work that engages and challenges.
These 15 inspirational quotes from Damien Hirst help motivate us and can be used to fuel our creativity.
Read more inspirational quotes from famous artists here.
I hope you have found these quotes attributed to Damien Hirst helpful. I would love to hear your thoughts on them, please feel free to email me and let me know at [email protected].
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