Damien Hirst's The Physical Impossibility of Death

Exploring Damien Hirst's The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living

Damien Hirst's The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living is a landmark piece of contemporary art that continues to spark discussion and awe. Created in 1991, this artwork has become one of the most iconic images in modern art, deeply embedded in popular culture and often studied by students worldwide. It challenges viewers to confront profound themes using an unexpected medium.

What is Damien Hirst's Shark Art? An Overview

Conceived by Hirst in 1989 while he was studying at Goldsmiths, this work is part of his 'Natural History' series. The sculpture features a thirteen-foot tiger shark preserved within a tank of formaldehyde. This striking display, weighing a total of 23 tons, is housed within a steel and glass vitrine that is three times longer than its height and divided into three distinct cubes.

The Meaning Behind the Title: Damien Hirst's Physical Impossibility of Death

Hirst's distinctive title, "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living," originated before the sculpture itself. According to the artist, it was "just a statement that I had used to describe the idea of death to myself." He derived it from his student thesis, which explored Hyperreality and the works of Robert Longo and Umberto Eco.

Hirst found the title's "poetic clumsiness" appealing, noting how it effectively expressed "something that wasn't there, or was there." This title sets the stage for the artwork's core exploration of mortality and perception.

The Artwork's Impact and Reception: Exhibitions and Controversy

When The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living was first exhibited at The Saatchi Gallery's 'YBA 1' in London in 1991, it garnered immense press attention. The sculpture was groundbreaking, pushing the boundaries of what was considered contemporary art.

Hirst's intention was to create a visceral experience for the viewer. He explained, "I didn't just want a lightbox, or a painting of a shark," but rather aimed to introduce a shark that was "real enough to frighten you" into a gallery setting. This move forced viewers out of their comfort zones, leading to considerable discussion and critical acclaim.

Exploring Themes: Fear, Life, and Mortality in Hirst's Shark

By isolating the shark from its natural environment, the artwork profoundly explores themes of fear and our understanding of death. The formaldehyde provides an unsettling illusion of life, making the viewer confront the fragility of existence.

Hirst articulated this central theme by stating, "You try and avoid [death], but it's such a big thing that you can't. That's the frightening thing isn't it?" The work powerfully encapsulates the difficulty humans face in confronting and expressing their greatest fears, especially those related to mortality.

Exhibition History of The Physical Impossibility of Death

Beyond its debut, the artwork has been a centerpiece in several significant exhibitions:

• 1997: Included in 'Sensation: Young British Artists from the Saatchi Collection' at the Royal Academy, London.
• 2007: Chosen by Hirst as the focal piece for 'Re-Object' at Kunsthaus Bregenz. This exhibition featured Hirst alongside Jeff Koons and Gerhard Merz, each presenting an artist's statement in a show exploring the influence of Marcel Duchamp.

Its continued presence in major exhibitions underscores its lasting significance in art history.

FAQ: Common Questions About Damien Hirst's Shark Art

What is the concept behind Damien Hirst's shark?

The concept behind Damien Hirst's shark, titled "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living," is to confront viewers directly with the reality of death and the human struggle to comprehend it. By presenting a preserved shark, Hirst aimed to introduce something "real enough to frighten you" into a gallery, exploring our greatest fears and the illusion of life.

What materials were used in The Physical Impossibility of Death?

The primary materials used in The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living include a thirteen-foot tiger shark, formaldehyde for preservation, and a steel and glass vitrine that serves as its display tank. The entire setup weighs 23 tons.

When was Damien Hirst's shark created?

Damien Hirst conceived the idea for his iconic shark artwork in 1989 while at Goldsmiths, and the sculpture itself was created and first exhibited in 1991 at The Saatchi Gallery's 'YBA 1' in London.