To celebrate Frieze Art Fair, London, 2021, prestigious London private member’s club Annabel’s teamed up with iconic British artist Damien Hirst to showcase a number of Hirst’s most innovative creations. Best of all was the fact that the creations of Hirst’s were previously unseen.
Guests and members of Annabel’s were treated to one of the most amazing days in the arts calendar as the Mayfair club hosted a number of unseen silver and gold sculptures from Hirst’s ‘Treasures’ collection, which was previously unveiled back in 2017.
Despite the ‘Treasures’ collection being unveiled in 2017, the works showcased at the Frieze Art Fair at Annabel’s were all brand-new for the lucky guests, and to say that they went down a treat would be an understatement of the century.
Who Is Damien Hirst?
Damien Hirst is a creative who surely needs no introduction when it comes to art and creativity, though just to emphasize what an important event this was, here’s a quick breakdown of Hirst and his works.
Damien Hirst was born in Bristol back in 1965, growing up in Yorkshire before moving to London in the mid-80s.
He worked various jobs, though art and sculpture were clearly his passions. Ever since the 1980s, Hirst has used sculpture, drawings, paintings, installation, and various other processes to create works the likes of which the world had never seen before.
As the years went by, he made more and more of a name for himself, finding his works showcased in art galleries and exhibitions all over the globe, in some of the world’s most prestigious locations, including the Tate Modern.
In 2007, Hirst set the World Record for the most expensive piece of art sold by a living artist, when his ‘Lullaby Spring’ creation sold for a staggering $19.2 Million.
A Bounty Of Treasures
Hirst’s ‘Treasures’ collection was based around a fictional shipwreck, with the gold and silver sculptures representing ‘relics’ lost in a shipwreck off the coast of Eastern Africa.
Guests were greeted at the reception area by Hirst’s trademark formaldehyde creation known as ‘Peace’ before venturing inside to really appreciate Hirst’s previously unseen works in all their glory.
The lavish décor of Annabel’s lent itself perfectly to these stunning gold and silver sculptures and looked perfectly at home amidst the decadently furnished interior of the prestigious Mayfair club.
Proving especially popular was ‘Hathor’ which was found in the Rose Room, sitting proudly and prominently atop a mantel.
Sticking with the animal theme, ‘Chinese Elephant’ and ‘Cat (Egyptian)’ proved to be just as trendy, with the sculptures working perfectly with the trademark brass-toned mirrors, shimmering crystal chandeliers, and animal-influenced themes found throughout the club.
Perhaps stealing the show, however, was the ‘Severed Head of Medusa’ which again, fitted perfectly with the shipwreck theme that Hirst was looking to create.
The golds and silvers blended effortlessly with the pink hues, greens, browns, and animal print furniture to bring together a synergy between ancient and modern, old and new.
Hirst intended to invoke feelings of wonder and mystique and weave intricate seafaring tales and exploits through the medium of his art, and it’s safe to say that based upon the reception and feedback, he did precisely that, and much more besides.
Hirst’s ‘Treasures’ at Annabel’s Frieze London event was a hit with guests, members, and critics alike.