Hirst exhibition opens on theme of Christianity

-9/9/03

Damien Hirst unveiled his first solo exhibition for eight years yesterday on the theme of Ch

Hirst exhibition opens on theme of Christianity

-9/9/03

Damien Hirst unveiled his first solo exhibition for eight years yesterday on the theme of Christianity.

In a bloody show that some commentators have said would sit as easily in the Natural History Museum as at his fashionable gallery in London’s East End, Hirst has used flayed cows’ heads to represent Christ’s Apostles.

More severed bovine heads, in Hirst’s trademark formaldehyde-filled rectangular tanks, represent the four Evangelists.

In an act of symbolism representing the martyrdoms and bloody history of the Christian church, these heads have kitchen knives, scissors and shards of glass and mirror violently embedded in them.

The 38-year-old has not had a religious conversion himself but has set out, like painters throughout history, to put his own interpretation on the Christian church and its saints, said his gallery, White Cube, yesterday.

Called Romance in the Age of Uncertainty, the exhibition also boasts 13 display cabinets, all dripping with animal blood, representing Christ and the Apostles.

Each contains items connected with the stories of the Apostles’ death and paths of suffering – lots more blood, a rope, crucifixes and spears.

Up to 2,000 Hirst fans from the art, pop and fashion worlds will attend the exhibition’s opening party tonight.

Hirst exhibition opens on theme of Christianity

-9/9/03

Damien Hirst unveiled his first solo exhibition for eight years yesterday on the theme of Christianity.

In a bloody show that some commentators have said would sit as easily in the Natural History Museum as at his fashionable gallery in London’s East End, Hirst has used flayed cows’ heads to represent Christ’s Apostles.

More severed bovine heads, in Hirst’s trademark formaldehyde-filled rectangular tanks, represent the four Evangelists.

In an act of symbolism representing the martyrdoms and bloody history of the Christian church, these heads have kitchen knives, scissors and shards of glass and mirror violently embedded in them.

The 38-year-old has not had a religious conversion himself but has set out, like painters throughout history, to put his own interpretation on the Christian church and its saints, said his gallery, White Cube, yesterday.

Called Romance in the Age of Uncertainty, the exhibition also boasts 13 display cabinets, all dripping with animal blood, representing Christ and the Apostles.

Each contains items connected with the stories of the Apostles’ death and paths of suffering – lots more blood, a rope, crucifixes and spears.

Up to 2,000 Hirst fans from the art, pop and fashion worlds will attend the exhibition’s opening party tonight.