‘Insensitive’ Damien Hirst slammed for using baby’s skull in new artwork
By ANIMonday, January 10, 2011
LONDON - Artist Damien Hirst has been criticized for using a infant’s skull studded with 8,000 diamonds for his latest art work, ‘For Heaven’s Sake.’
The skull, which is believed to be that of a child who died before it was two weeks old, is cast in platinum and studded with more than 8,000 pink and white diamonds by the royal jewellers Bentley and Skinner, reports the Telegraph.
It was part of a 19th-century pathology collection acquired by the artist, who made his name with dissected sharks and pickled sheep.
Sally Russell, of the parenting group Netmums, has said it is offensive to bereaved parents.
“Mr Hirst may not have intended to be insensitive, but it will have a profound effect on many people who will find the subject deeply disturbing,” she said.
The work will go on display later this month as part of an exhibition of new paintings and sculptures by the artist at the Gagosian gallery’s exhibition space in Hong Kong. (ANI)
