Platinum, Diamonds, 1106.18 carat"For the love of God" is a piece by Damien Hirst produced in 2007 that stirred up much controversy. It consists of over 8000 flawless diamonds encrusted in a platinum cast of a human skull. It was reportedly sold for 50 million pounds which if true, makes it the most expensive art piece by a living artist.
Many critiques call it vulgar and looks more like a piece comissioned by wealthy but uncultivated clients of Graff or Aspreys to exhibit their greatness. This is no piece befitting of an established artist.
There is also much speculation that the whole 'sale' of this work is an elaborate ruse to shore up the reputation and value Hirst's works prior to the Sotheby auction which he reaped millions. (Hirst is the first artist who decided to sell his works through auctions than galleries). Apparently the work was bought by a consortium that included Hirst in it. Whether "For the love of God" actually sold for 50 million pounds was doubted since some critiques observed that there is no tax records of the sale
For me i do consider this art albeit one of a low grade. This is art since you can derive disinterested pleasure out of it. However a jewel encrusted object is nothing original and highly uninspiring. I also feel that as an artist, Hirst contribution is too limited. Where is the passion when he merely owned the concept whilst artisans laboured on his behalf.
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