Damien Hirst is a British contemporary artist widely known for his provocative and controversial works that challenge traditional ideas about art, life, and death. He was born on June 7, 1965, in Bristol, England, to a working-class family. As a child, Hirst showed an interest in art, and his parents encouraged his creative pursuits. He studied at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he was part of a group of young artists who would later become known as the Young British Artists (YBAs). In the early 1990s, Hirst gained international recognition for his series of sculptures featuring dead animals preserved in formaldehyde, which he called “The Natural History” series. The works were both shocking and mesmerizing, and they sparked intense debate about the nature of art and the role of the artist in society. Throughout his career, Hirst has continued to explore themes of life, death, and mortality in his art, often using unconventional materials and methods. He has created sculptures made of pills, butterflies, and diamonds, among other things, and has also experimented with painting, drawing, and installation art.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Hirst is also a successful entrepreneur and has been involved in several business ventures over the years. He is known for his collaborations with fashion designers and musicians, and he has also opened a number of restaurants and bars.

Despite his success, Hirst has been the subject of much criticism and controversy throughout his career, with some accusing him of being more interested in fame and fortune than in creating meaningful art. Nevertheless, his work continues to captivate audiences around the world, and he remains one of the most influential and celebrated artists of his generation.