Damien Hirst Opens Gift Shop in New York

Damien Hirst has opened a gift shop called ‘Other Criteria’ in New York’s SoHo, The New York Times, reports. It is the first shop opened outside of the artist’s home country of England, where he has already opened three such shops.

Art lovers can purchase some of Hirst’s most popular and controversial artworks at varying price points. For example, a wooden crucifix inlaid with bright, colorful pills costs $55,900, yellow skateboard decks featuring original Hirst drawings cost $5,600.

Budget conscious fans can purchase a variety of Damien Hirst catalogues and books, a set of china plates featuring Hirst’s spin paintings costs $200, a set of fridge magnets inspired by the ‘spot painting’ series cost $25.

Critics argue that the shops take Hirst’s concept of mass-producing and mass distributing art a step too far. Others argue that the shops are contributing to the democratization of contemporary art. Either way, the artist is not ashamed to capitalize on the popularity of his brand.