Damien Hirst's Formaldehyde Sculptures Misdated, Sparking Controversy

Several of Damien Hirst's formaldehyde artworks, including a notable shark piece, were revealed to have been misleadingly dated to the 1990s instead of their actual creation date in 2017.

• A Guardian investigation uncovered that Damien Hirst's formaldehyde sculptures, previously thought to have been created in the 1990s, were actually made in 2017.
• The misdated artworks include a $8 million shark piece, bought by billionaire brothers, that serves as a centerpiece in a Las Vegas luxury bar.
• Hirst's company claims the dating reflects the conception of the idea, not the physical creation, sparking debate within the art community.
• Art experts and critics argue that the misleading dating practices harm transparency and trust in the contemporary art world.
• The controversy has led to a reevaluation of Hirst's work and reputation among prominent critics and the public.

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