Damien Hirst in talks to replace rotting shark

Damien Hirst has been the inspiration for many. His influence is felt by the masses without their even knowing who he is. All one has to do is watch The Cell and feel his presence pervade it.

Perhaps his most iconic piece, The physical impossibility of death in the mind of someone living, a large tiger shark in a tank of formaldehyde, is deteriorating.



"The 1991 work, bought by Steve Cohen from Charles Saatchi for £6.5m, has deteriorated because of the way it was made."

"Damien Hirst is in talks with US hedge fund manager Steve Cohen to replace the shark in his iconic work, The physical impossibility of death in the mind of someone living, 1991."

"The animal suspended in formaldehyde has deteriorated dramatically to the naked eye since it was first unveiled at the Saatchi Gallery in 1992 because of the way it was preserved by the artist. The solution which surrounds it is murky, the skin of the animal is showing considerable signs of wear and tear, and the shark itself has changed shape. "

By Cristina Ruiz and Gareth Harris

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