In an artwork youre always looking for artistic decisions, so an ashtray is perfect. An ashtray has got life and death. – 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
The idea of going on tour for the rest of my life with old works is not that exciting. As an artist I definitely think the work in future is going to be better than the work in the past, otherwise why do it? – Damien Hirst
I was taught to confront things you cant avoid. Death is one of those things. To live in a society where youre trying not to look at it is stupid because looking at death throws us back into life with more vigour and energy. The fact that flowers dont last for ever makes them beautiful. – Damien Hirst
One of the matters that must be addressed is that Rwanda and Uganda have to leave the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Were also supporting processes to ensure that the political dialogue among the Congolese themselves takes place so that the people there can decide their future. – Thabo Mbeki