Reader Poll: Why is This Skull Laughing?
Friday August 31, 2007
It was as inevitable as death (oh, the irony) and taxes, you'd suppose. From the moment that Damien Hirst announced he'd be creating For the Love of God, to its grand unveiling in June of 2007, it was merely a question of time before some party snatched up this diamond-encrusted objet d'art for the asking price of $100 million.
Why "inevitable," you ask? I'd submit that the Hirst marketing machine, which is never staffed with slackers in any case, has been doing a full-tilt publicity boogie on FtLoG since the initial press announcement. The campaign has been wondrously successful, too. Excluding the $100 million sale of the piece itself, the show surrounding it at White Cube Gallery's two venues had already taken in $261.7 million as of July 17.
Well, all right, then. Good for you, Damien Hirst. Much as I would dearly love to, I'll say no more about this piece of art. I'd really rather hear your opinions. Please leave a vote in the poll, leave a comment or, hey! Do both. The more the merrier.
Image credit:
Damien Hirst (English, b. 1965)
For the Love of God, 2007
Platinum, diamonds and human teeth
6 3/4 x 5 x 7 1/2 in. (17.1 x 12.7 x 19.1 cm)
© Prudence Cuming Associates / Getty Images
Comments
Despite the commercialization of Mr. Hirst, I love his work dearly. There is something about his “mockery” or maybe just an uncanny ability to deal with death that is wonderful. I heard his mother titled this particular work. It kind of went like, “For the love of God, what will you do next?” I always look forward to new works by him and his studio.
Personally I think it’s echoing its creator’s laughter, all the way to the bank.
Let’s face it, with these celebrity artists, it doesn’t matter what they do - everything that they label ‘art’ is worth gazillions, even if it is meaningless drivel.
Yeah, I suppose it’s saying something about death, money, the church, luxury, blah blah……. *yawn* ….
Hmm. I was just wondering whether my comment was bordering on a rant or just a blunt statement of opinion. (Not at my most tactful first thing on a monday morning…) I do find a lot of contemporary art interesting, and enjoy much of it….
Just… not.. Hirst. Or Emin… or….