New Religion, an exhibition of works by the British artist Damien Hirst, opens Wednesday evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje.
The exhibition of Damien Hirst, considered one of the most influential and innovative artists in the world, is presented in Skopje in association with the British Council and Paul Stolper Gallery.
First exhibited at Paul Stolper Gallery in 2005, New Religion is an exhibition of silkscreen prints and sculptural editions.
“This exhibition explores the complex relationship between science and religion. It follows the development of science and medicine. Although it doesn’t provide answers, it raises the question of whether science is the new religion,” said the show’s curator Paul Stolper.
Calling the exhibition ‘very important’, the Museum’s director Laze Tripkov said the location of the show was even more important given its rich history.
“The show has been a huge challenge and with it the Museum is starting to restore its place on the Macedonian cultural scene,” Tripkov said adding the Museum of Contemporary Art boasted a longrunning tradition of solidarity.
Hirst’s exhibition is organized to mark the 20 th anniversary of the British Council in Macedonia.
“For 20 years, the British Council is fostering the cultural ties between Macedonia and the United Kingdom and hopefully, the cooperation will continue further with all cultural institutions,” stated Eleonora Zaprova, director of the British Council in Macedonia.
Damien Hirst is one of the bestknown artists in the world, and the most prominent member of the group known as the Young British Artists (YBAs).
Born in Bristol, Damien Hirst studied at Jacob Kramer College of Art in Leeds (1983 – 1985) and at Goldsmiths College, University of London (1986 – 1989).
In 1987, he conceived and curated a group exhibition entitled Freeze. The show is commonly acknowledged to have been the launching point not only for Hirst, but for a generation of British artists.
Since the late 1980s, Hirst has employed a varied practice of installation, sculpture, painting and drawing to explore the complex relationship between art, life and death. Through his work he investigates and challenges contemporary belief systems, and dissects the uncertainties at the heart of human experience.
New Religion runs at the Museum of Contemporary Art until Aug. 11. Since 2005, it has been the subject of shows in Oslo, Moscow, Venice, Sofia, Woking, Gdansk and at All Hallow's Church in London.