Dixit Insipiens, from Psalms

Damien Hirst is a British contemporary artist whose groundbreaking practice has redefined the relationship between art, science, medicine, and mortality. Widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of his generation, Hirst rose to prominence in the late 1980s as a leading member of the Young British Artists (YBAs), transforming contemporary art through provocative conceptual works that challenge conventional ideas of life, death, beauty, and value. Working across painting, sculpture, installation, drawing, and printmaking, Hirst is best known for his iconic series featuring preserved animals suspended in formaldehyde, his Spot Paintings, Spin Paintings, Butterfly Paintings, and the celebrated Natural History series. Throughout his career, he has explored the fragility of human existence, combining conceptual rigor with striking visual impact.