1. Childhood Experiences: Hirst's childhood in Leeds, England, shaped his artistic perspective. He was exposed to medical illustrations, textbooks, and images of the human body from a young age, which influenced his later fascination with life, death, and biology.
2. Medical Studies and YBA Movement: Hirst initially pursued medical studies at Goldsmiths College, London. However, he became more interested in art and joined the Young British Artists (YBA) movement in the late 1980s. The YBA movement embraced shock value, conceptualism, and provocative artworks, which inspired Hirst to explore unconventional materials and themes.
3. Death and Mortality: Hirst's art often explores themes of death and mortality. In his early works, such as the formaldehyde-preserved animals, he confronted viewers with the reality of death and questioned the significance of existence. His obsession with death stems from his father's passing when Hirst was young.
4. Science, Biology, and Natural History: Hirst's background in medical studies led him to incorporate elements of science, biology, and natural history into his art. He used biological materials, animal parts, preserved creatures, and medicinal cabinets to create unique artworks.
5. Sensation and Shock Value: Hirst's works are often designed to provoke a strong reaction or shock from viewers. He wanted his art to challenge societal norms, taboos, and conventional approaches to art.
6. Pharmaceutical Industry: Hirst has also been influenced by the pharmaceutical industry. His use of pill bottles, syringes, and medical imagery reflects his interest in how medications and substances affect the human body and mind.
7. Artistic Influences: Hirst's inspiration also came from various artists and art movements, including Conceptual Art, Pop Art, Minimalism, and Fluxus. He drew from the works of Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, Joseph Beuys, and others.