Damien Hirst is a British artist who emerged as a prominent figure in the art world in the 1990s. He is known for his controversial and provocative works, which often explore themes of life, death, and the human condition.

Hirst is perhaps best known for his series of artworks featuring preserved animals, including a shark suspended in formaldehyde entitled “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living” and a cow and calf sliced in half and displayed in tanks of formaldehyde entitled “Mother and Child Divided.” These works caused a great deal of controversy and helped to establish Hirst as one of the most talked-about artists of his generation.

In addition to his work with preserved animals, Hirst has also produced a wide range of other artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. His work often explores themes such as the fragility of life, the inevitability of death, and the relationship between art and commerce.