Damien Hirst's 'Archaeology Now' at Galleria Borghese

Damien Hirst's exhibition 'Archaeology Now' opened at Galleria Borghese in Rome, curated by Anna Coliva and Mario Codognato. The show presents Hirst's works in dialogue with the museum's collection, including pieces like 'Golden Monkey', 'Small Horse', 'Sacrificial Bowl', 'Skull of Cyclops', 'Museum Specimen of Nautilus Shell', 'A collection of weapons', and 'Extraordinarily Large Museum Specimen of Giant Clam Shell'. Hirst's sculptures are placed alongside masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio, mimicking the Baroque setting. The exhibition follows his 2017 Venice show 'Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable' at Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana. Hirst aims to challenge the relationship between ancient and contemporary art, drawing parallels with Cardinal Scipione Borghese's audacious collecting. The title 'Archaeology Now' reflects a desire to anchor the present in the past amid uncertain futures. Hirst stated, 'We need the past. We believe in the past because believing in the present is more difficult.' The exhibition includes less successful pairings like 'Five Grecian Nudes' and 'Five Friends'. It runs at Galleria Borghese, a 17th-century villa built by Cardinal Scipione Borghese.