Damien Hirst teases mystery exhibition

A compelling Damien Hirst-related piece of news has recently surfaced, teasing an enormously secretive new exhibition that will open in Venice in a few weeks.

Having suffered a couple of reputation-damning setbacks from critics and fans alike in recent years (being called a “factory” with his artistic talent being thrown into disrepute), Hirst has confidently promised that this new exhibition won’t just reassert his reputation, but bolster it. Opening at the Palazzo Grassi and the Punta della Dogana, it is entitled Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable and represents his first solo exhibition since 2014.

So, what is it? Well, no-one really knows and those close to him are keeping their lips tightly sealed. The only major clue came from a journalist: she talked openly about a diving expedition just off the Indian Ocean during which divers collected treasures from the Apistos, a ship that is rumoured to have sunk back in the first century AD. Intriguingly, no-one knows if this is even a true story and many historians actually refer to this shipwreck as a myth. Thus, will the treasures in the exhibition be fictional, created or discovered? It remains to be seen. When quizzed on this, Hirst enigmatically replied: “Myth or fact… Whatever you choose to believe.”

Therefore, a shroud of mystery remains over the latest Damien Hirst work, as we could have predicted. However, given the intriguing subject matter, Hirst’s phenomenally innovative, creative mind, and the fact that he’s selected one Europe’s artistic hubs as his destination, it’s fair to say excitements are running high.

You can check out Hirst’s Venetian creation from next Sunday, however, tickets will fly off the shelves so make sure you keep your eyes peeled. For now, here are a few images of some of Hirst’s most famous works.