Being Reborn…

My Quote of the Day:

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” –Anais Nin, (1903-1977)

Damien Hirst, b. 1965
For the Love of God, 2007.
Platinum, diamonds and human teeth, 172 x 127 x 191 mm
Most Prominent YBA (Young British Artist)

I adore this work of art because of the symbolism of the skull. Most perceive the skull as a symbol of death, and to be sure, it is a reminder of our own mortality, but many Asian and European cultures consider the human skull as the seat of the senses, on par with the vault of Heaven, “The location of the head, the dome-shape of the skull and its role as a spiritual centre have often led to its being compared with the Heaven of the human body.” (pg. 888, Chevalier)

Therefore, if the skull is the seat of the senses and is that which brings us closer to the spirit within ourselves, then let Damien Hirst’s skull be the ultimate trophy over death, flickering with the eternal light of stars that have no half-life.

Remi Benali
Jeune Bonze/ Yong Monk, 2006
French Photographer