Agency news

Mexico, Feb 28: Hundreds of tourists, art lovers and mere voyeurs flocked over the weekend to the opening of "The Death of God," the latest exhibit by controversial British artist Damien Hirst.

The show, the result of Hirst's three-month stay in Mexico, includes human skeletons, animals preserved in formaldehyde and skinned lambs, propped up as if praying or splayed upon crucifixes.

One work shows a lamb kneeling inside a crystal container, looking as if it is carrying a white-covered Bible and red rosary between its legs.

As a bright oasis in the midst of these brutal pieces, Hirst slipped in two large diamonds covered by a kaleidoscope of hundreds of butterfly wings of different colors.

"They are in effect, very strong works, but our intention is not to provoke but to invite to reflection, to the discussion of ideas, and I think Hirst achieves that with impeccable quality," said Hilario Galguera, who owns the gallery. "I don't think they are provocative pieces simply to provoke, that would be very easy."

Javier Caballero, a 40-year old graphic designer attending the show, predicted a backlash from Mexico's ruling conservative National Action Party.

"This government is very Catholic and when certain very reactionary people find out and see the works, they're going to make a fuss," Caballero said. "But that will be a good thing in the end because it will make more people be interested and come and see other ways to make art."

Hirst wasn't staying around in Mexico to find out. Galguera said he left soon after the exhibit's opening and flew back to England.

For 45-year-old businessman Roberto Rivera, the show was not so hot. He called it "somewhat disturbing." But "very deep" is how Alexandra Morris, an art history student in her early 20s, described Hirst's message. "It's a show that hits you, whether you like it or not, it sparks many emotions."

All but two of the show's 30 works remained to be sold, said Galguera, who would not disclose prices.