Q&A: Controversial artist Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst is one of the world’s most influential and controversial artists and he’s just opened his biggest show yet in Qatar. In conjunction with the unveiling of 14 monumental statues about birth, he is also showcasing an exhibit called "Relics" - his first solo exhibition in the Middle East and a comprehensive survey of his previous works. He spoke to Al Jazeera about his inspiration, his involvement with Sheikha Meyassa, and the differences between art and science.

[@clementine5518]

I honestly don’t think it’s rly right for him to be killing animals just for artwork. That’s just my personal opinion tho

[@annakeye]

You raise a fair point, Clementine however we could argue whether any killing of animals is right, regardless of what reason we do it for, when for example, we no longer need leather.
Dietary issues aside, I find such activities as "sports fishing" targetting and stressing out the likes of Striped Marlin for hours at a time, just to take a photo pretty outrageous as well.

[@Alpinex105]

wah?

[@iridanos1443]

He is not an artist !! He is a designer.

[@MsColdCanada]

I don't see the controversy but I guess that's my culture factoring in.

[@annakeye]

I highly doubt that the collection of foetal development sculptures would be on display in Qatar if they were depicted as female.