Damien Hirst's Roman Show Loses Its Edge, Critics Say
A review of Damien Hirst's exhibition at Gagosian Rome argues the artist has lost his former brilliance. The show features new paintings and sculptures from the Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable project, which also has pieces on view at Galleria Borghese. The critic notes that while Hirst's works remain provocative and intelligent, they are now too focused on seriality, a characteristic that has become cloyingly predominant. The comparison is drawn to Maurizio Cattelan, who is more restrained in his approach to serial aesthetics. Hirst was once called the 'Caravaggio of our time' by an Italian politician fifteen years ago, but the review suggests his current output lacks the urgency and 'art quotient' of his earlier, more groundbreaking pieces.
Key facts
- Damien Hirst's exhibition at Gagosian Rome includes new paintings and sculptures from Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable.
- The review claims Hirst has lost his former edge and his work is now too focused on seriality.
- Hirst was called the 'Caravaggio of our time' by an Italian politician fifteen years ago.
- The exhibition runs concurrently with a display of Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable at Galleria Borghese in Rome.
- The critic compares Hirst unfavorably to Maurizio Cattelan, who is more careful about serial aesthetics.
- The works are described as formally traditional but structured with conceptual and pop codes.
- The review is written by Pericle Guaglianone for Artribune.
- The exhibition takes place at Gagosian Rome in 2021.
Entities
Artists
- Damien Hirst
- Maurizio Cattelan
- Caravaggio
- Pericle Guaglianone
Institutions
- Gagosian
- Galleria Borghese
- Artribune
- Palazzo Grassi
- Punta della Dogana
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Bristol
- Venice