Damien Hirst is a contemporary artist specializing in the macabrae and horrific. Most of Hirst's works are animals in various states. Hirst hails from and commands the YBAs of the 1990s and has made quite the impact on contemporary art. Many consider Hirst to be a loud, obnoxious, conman with a pretentious attitude. 
Hirst's art typically depicts animals in formaldehyde dissected, disemboweled, and rotting. Some of his more recent works include elements of gold and diamonds and continues some of his Natural History collection. Hirst transends normal figures into these opulent displays that completely change to power and dynamics of the image. He is also working on several new sculptures and displays of pharmaceutical drugs and silk screens of pills.
Hirst participates in several charities, one of the most well known being Strummerville to honor his dear late friend and musical genius Joe Strummer.
Despite Hirt's philanthropic efforts, he is known for his brass attitude and over the top nature. Hirst has also been accused for appropriation like several other contemporary artists and has likewise sued others for similar approaches. Hirst is the most wealthy British artist alive and has surpassed many records for sculpture costs, sales, and complete sale of a collection.
http://www.damienhirst.com/
http://www.biography.com/people/damien-hirst-20683781#business-of-art--
http://www.complex.com/style/2014/10/damien-hirst-unveils-new-pills-in-his-schizophrenogenesis-exhibition-in-london
