The Bowes Museum to feature "Damien Hirst ~ Print Maker"

Written by Carol Messinger Tuesday, 08 March 2011 23:37

COUNTY DURHAM. UK - Following a £12m refurbishment, The Bowes Museum brings a global name to the Barnard Castle treasure house this autumn with the opening of Damien Hirst: Print Maker. As the first exhibition devoted to Hirst’s prints in a public gallery, this striking show of more than 50 works, many unseen by the public, is one not to miss.This world class exhibition, curated by former Turner Prize judge Greville Worthington, will explore this foremost British contemporary artist through his renowned print works.This exhibition, which opens on Saturday 6 November 2010, incorporates themes of opposites such as life and death, necessity and luxury & black and white; examining the complications and frailties of human existence.

With the support of northern collectors and The Paragon Press, the Museum has drawn together his best quality prints to form the first exhibition to re-establish a contemporary programme at The Bowes Museum. Working with Paragon Press since the mid 1990s, Hirst has produced a broad range of high quality prints, often proving technically difficult and complex, exploring similar themes to those in his paintings and installations.

Hirst is completely involved in the process of print making, using a variety of techniques to achieve his aims. The works are ambitious, testing the boundaries of printmaking as a skill, and this exhibition brings together his most impressive pieces in terms of both scale and technical ability.

Damien Hirst: Print Maker includes series of works such as The Last Supper - a set of 13 prints designed to mimic drug packaging; using humour and pathos to question whether drugs are as vital to man’s survival as food. The Museum’s exhibition gallery will be specially decorated to complement Hirst’s work.

Adrian Jenkins, Director of The Bowes Museum, said: “It’s time to focus on another potential audience for us, having gone through this major refurbishment. The stunning transformation and the contemporary exhibition fit well together.”

The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue, written by Greville Worthington, which can be purchased from the Museum. The show opens on Saturday 6th November, continuing until 27th February 2011. Visit The Bowes Museum at : http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/

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