Damien Hirst - Venice 2019

 DAMIEN HIRST 

Venice 2017

"Treasures from the WRECK of the Unbelievable."

I think, just the idea of visiting Italy and the Venice Bienalle cast a shadow of excitement over my brain and I did not bother to research the other shows that were happening in the city, during that time. I was so excited traveling with my family and friends that anything beyond that was a bonus. 

While we were in Venice la la land we chanced upon the Damien Hirst show. I was stunned! I could I miss it. 

We decided to pay this exhibition a visit , could not miss it for the world. Of course this was Damien Hirst and his work was never short of spectacular. The fact that he decided to exhibit during the Venice Bienalle is a genius idea. The Bienalle draws in the crowd and thus the footfalls are inevitable. Also I felt the arrogance of the artist in terms of venue and time. I always knew that his shows were never short of spectacular. So here we were standing in front of the Plazzo Grassi and Punta Della Dogana. Of course he would choose the palatial space of collector Francois Pinailts

As we bought our tickets and entered the area, we saw the biggest indoor sculpture of my life.

As I approached the humungous foot ,the rest of the giant revealed itself

 

 

A headless giant spanning  over 3 floors and even blocking the light of the sun. A colossal naked being over powered the entire Palace.

Demon with Bowl. Exhibition Enlargement

 

That was not all, ever floor we climbed. the giant was there. Giving us a glimpse into the details of his making. Forcing us to look at a particular part of his body.

its only when a person stands next to the "HEAD" that the size is realised

Head of a Demon

Along side this looming torso we saw a head, the first thought is that the head belonged to the giant ,however on closer examination it did not seem to be compatible.

We started to walk to the upper floor eagerly wanting to see the other exhibits. No mater where we turned, he was always there.

https://youtu.be/zt0zjGQduYw - watch him come to life

As we reached the floors on top we were witness to his magnanimity.

There were many other works that attracted my attention.

This work of the Hindu Goddess Kali tells a different story.

The water submerged version

The polished black detail version "Hydra and Kali"

Hydra and Kali

The constantly playing video on the making of these works. It shows how long, arduous and expensive these works are.

The shining Gold version is smaller, its tabletop in size.

Here the size of the Displays is very evident

 

Andromeda and the Sea  Monster

 

The Baroque Ceiling of Palazzo Grassi gives a unique view to the contemporary exhibit.

Aspect of Katie Ishtar Yo-landi

Skull of Cyclops

Two Garudas - 

Calender Stone

The Diver -Inspired by a Francis Bacon Painting.

Entrance of Punta Della Dogana "The Fate of a Banished Man"

Gold Medusa head

Severed Head of Medusa

Mickey

Goofy

Best Friends

Nautilus Shell

Everybody knows that Damien Hirst is a collector by heart and his collection of Gold objects brought up from the sea is outlandish. Just being witness to these pieces is a privilege

Photographs by Parag karve and Jyotika Karve