Damien Hirst: Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable
Francois Pinault, president of the Palazzo Grassi, on the Venice museum's extraordinary exhibition that has been a decade in the making
The first time Damien Hirst spoke to me about his grand project 'Treasures' was almost ten years ago. He was then at the height of his fame, recognised and adulated. He had achieved all the goals he had set himself when he was a young man, destitute and poor. But he was still dreaming of new horizons. By all accounts, he wished to put his creative powers to the test again. A few years later, during a visit to his studio, he showed me the first works he had created as part of this great project. The effect was spectacular, dazzling and baffling.
And that was only the beginning. By its excess, by its ambition, and finally by its audacity, Treasures makes a complete break with all that he has achieved so far. The works do not fit into any conventional aesthetic category or canonical structure. They emanate a sense of an almost mythological power, plunging the beholder into a state of mind that oscillates constantly between bewilderment and enthusiasm.
Nothing stops him – difficulties, conventional codes and canons of art, or controversies and judgments (often all too summary). I admire his readiness to expose himself to danger. Ever since we first met in the early 1990s, and up to the present, he has continued to abandon paths that he himself was the first to trace. With boundless energy and striking presence of mind, he tirelessly observes the mystery of living, embracing its grace and its violence in the same spirit. Fascinated by the interaction between art and science, he steadily pushes back the boundaries of creation. If his oeuvre is constantly renewed, his work seeks to thwart the wiles of a fate to which he refuses to submit.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It is quite natural that I should have decided to help fully realise the ambitions of this radical, original and invigorating experience by opening up the spaces of both Palazzo Grassi and the Punta della Dogana to him, in which the works respond to each other as in an interplay of mirrors. This singular and daring adventure has enthralled me; I am well aware that in all the world, few institutions would be able to engage with an artistic dream as wild as this one.
FRANCOIS PINAULT is a businessman and leading collector of contemporary art, acquiring the Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana to open up his collection to the public. Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable by Damien Hirst is at the Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, Venice, until 3 December. Tickets €18; palazzograssi.it
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Last hopes for justice for UK's nuclear test veterans
Under the Radar Thousands of ex-service personnel say their lives have been blighted by aggressive cancers and genetic mutations
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
What to see in London during Frieze Week
The Week Recommends From sculpture parks to major shows, there is plenty to see in the capital
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Last updated
-
Art and protest in Iran
Under the Radar Regime cracks down on creatives who helped turn nationwide Woman, Life, Freedom protests 'into a cultural uprising'
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Turner Prize 2024: has the art world's infamous award lost its power?
Talking Point As the award returns for its 40th anniversary, critics call for a revamp of 'sorry embarrassment of a prize'
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Banksy's animal art: method to the mystery?
In the Spotlight Elusive artist's daily series in London sparks joy – and widespread speculation about its meaning
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Five exhibitions to visit this spring
The Week Recommends From 'subversive' textiles to exquisite Flemish drawings, there's something for every art lover
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
The art world and motherhood: the end of a final taboo?
Talking Point Hettie Judah's new touring exhibition offers a 'riveting riposte' to old cliches
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Glasgow to host first Banksy solo show in 14 years
Speed Read The return of the ever-elusive street artist has experts and fans excited
By Rebekah Evans Published
-
Damien Hirst: Natural History – an ‘empty and artificial’ show
The Week Recommends Show brings together some 25 formaldehyde works created by Hirst over past 30 years
By The Week Staff Published