07/26/2007
Damien Hirst, The Bedazzler Revealed
Jockohomo points us to this interesting post over at Supertouch, which details the construction of Damien Hirst's most recent extravagance, "For the Love of God".
The 18th century skull of a mid-30-year-old man had its teeth removed and cleaned for re-insertion as its mandibles and 32 individual plates were re-cast in platinum awaiting the "massive 52.40 carat flawless light fancy pink, brilliant-cut, pear-shaped diamond" that is the work's finishing touch.
If you watch closely, you will realize you can do this on the cheap with some silver paint, a trip to your local Halloween shop, and a quick dial-in for the Bedazzler.
Hirst's $100 million skull (which cost the artist $20 million to make) apparently still awaits a buyer.
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Posted 9:25 AM EST by Andy Towle in Art & Design, Damien Hirst, News | Permalink
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Only $100 million dollars? For that price, why not buy two of them?
Posted by: Steven. | Jul 26, 2007 9:55:03 AM
I wonder if Damien Hirst would like someone sticking their tongue inside his mouth when he is dead? The teeth are from the original skull. That's a disgusting thing to be doing.
Posted by: homer | Jul 26, 2007 9:56:51 AM
I like it. I would rather try to make my own at only 20 mill instead of spending 100 mil. That is if my caviar bill wasn't so high and I wasn't buying that yacht for Biff and Muffy's wedding gift.
:-)
Posted by: anon | Jul 26, 2007 10:09:53 AM
I think this qualifies as desecration of a corpse, don't you? The piece could as easily have been made from a plastic or plaster replica of a skull. Pretty sick, if you ask me. And anyone who has $100 million to waste on this thing has waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much money.
Posted by: Jonathon | Jul 26, 2007 10:11:57 AM
Jonathan
It is criminal to embalm a body and then seal it away in a meatl coffin (yes they offer metal coffins for sale) and then seal that away in a cement box under the ground. Preventing the no longer useful remains from recycling and providing nurishment for plants.
I wouldn't pay 100 mil though for it. If I had the money I would offer 48-50 mil. It is an intresting commentary on death and excess. It is quite beautiful to look at. To stare deeply into the sockets ala Hamlet with Yorek's skull.
I want it, and wish I had the money to get it.
Posted by: anon | Jul 26, 2007 10:23:31 AM
Sick. Tacky.
Posted by: Timothy | Jul 26, 2007 10:34:32 AM
I agree with Jonathan and Timothy. This used to be a living, breathing person. It is sick and tacky. The whole thing gives me the creeps.
Posted by: TroyTooner | Jul 26, 2007 11:36:13 AM
This artist is from England, the same country as Rupert Everett. I think they are both idiots and therefore I can safely say all English are idiots. What's wrong with England and the English? Really?
BTW, does anyone here have Donatella Versace's phone #?
Thanks.
Posted by: Becks07 | Jul 26, 2007 11:44:44 AM
troy and others
Get over your fear of death.
The skull is beautiful.
Posted by: anon | Jul 26, 2007 11:54:42 AM
PS
I think it is interesting to think about who it used to be. most likely some toilet cleaner which makes it even more cool. the irony of some king's skull from that day and time being long forgotten dust while this poor schleps skull is now encrusted in diamonds.
LOL
;-)
Posted by: anon | Jul 26, 2007 11:57:05 AM
Hey Becks07, I have Donatella Versace's phone number for you. It's 1-800-GET-OUT! (With thanks to Maya Rudolph.)
Posted by: Jake | Jul 26, 2007 12:56:09 PM
You guys can read my mind (a scary thought).
This is just as disgusting as that picture of Donatella, and looks like something she would buy (or produce a flashy reproduction of).
Maybe she'll buy it to have something extra-flashy to sleep with in her coffin (along with her gigolo boys).
Posted by: Jordan | Jul 26, 2007 3:20:32 PM
Hey people, please... we are in the 21st century, art is not just pretty things that goes well with the sofa.
I think most of the comments are based on envy and lots of ignorance.
Any way i think Mr.Hirst his a brilliant artist, and " For The Love Of God" an uplifting peace of art and problably the first true icon of this century.
Posted by: Civilized Punk | Jul 27, 2007 12:56:51 PM