Although we won't be discussing this artist (Damien Hirst) until later in the course (when we will also be discussing the interesection of art and commerce), the announcement of what is purported to be (and probably is) the most expense spare tire cover available today caught my eye.
This has been reported on many automotive news blogs (how's that for bringing contemporary art to different audiences!), and here is one link: http://most-expensive.net/spare-tire-cover
Even if you have not followed the art world in the past, you most likely remember seeing news stories about Hirst's works, in particular, the shark floating in formaldehyde. His "spin paintings", such as the one used on the tire cover, are usually created by staff in his studio, and as you can tell, created by dripping paint on a spinning surface (you may remember doing something like this when visiting a carnival as a child).
So, check it out, and try to answer whether this is art?, commerce?, serious? a publicity stunt? Elements of some or all of these?
Is your reaction affected by the price and/or the claim that it is a creation of a world-famous artist?
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