In an artwork youre always looking for artistic decisions, so an ashtray is perfect. An ashtray has got life and death. – Damien Hirst
I have always been aware that you have to get people listening before you can change their minds. Any artists big fear is being ignored, so if you get debate, thats great. – Damien Hirst
Ive been asked to do a retrospective since I was about 28 and I always thought that was a bit odd. Its great to look forward as an artist because in the future the possibilities are infinite you look back and its all fixed so its a scary thing. – Damien Hirst
Great art – or good art – is when you look at it, experience it and it stays in your mind. I dont think conceptual art and traditional art are all that different. – Damien Hirst
Everyone goes to the same exhibitions and the same parties, stays in the same handful of hotels, eats at the same no-star restaurants, and has almost the same opinions. I adore the art world, but this is copycat behavior in a sphere that prides itself on independent thinking. – Jerry Saltz