Damien Hirst's 'Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable' at Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana in Venice

From April 9 to December 3, 2017, Damien Hirst showcased 'Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable' at Venice's Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, part of the Pinault Collection. The exhibition crafted a narrative around imaginary underwater finds, merging historical artistry with modern pop culture. Acting as a collector, Hirst utilized both real and invented items to investigate the idea of decontextualization. Among the prominent pieces were a sixty-foot headless demon and 'Aten', which drew inspiration from Rihanna. Influences spanned from Hinduism to Walt Disney, deliberately steering clear of Judeo-Islamic-Christian symbols. The storyline featured videos of divers retrieving sculptures and included natural elements, reminiscent of Marcel Duchamp's readymade art. Critics pointed out the whimsical aspects, especially Hirst's personal involvement in the pieces.