Damien (Hirst) is back

And as Richard Lacayo in Time points out, things are not looking good. At least, so far.

Lacayo notes examples of how critics are lambasting Hirst for his new works, dismissing them as derivative, to say the least. Given that Francis Bacon is one of his inspirations, the “derivative” comment is right on the money. What remains to be seen is whether or not Hirst has the ability to grow any further. If so, these recent works may just be a weigh station on the road to newer and better work. If not, then he is done and he will be remembered as much if not more for his ability to rake in the dough than for his ability to produce inspiring and influencial works of art.

For more on this, see: Damien Hirst: Dead on Arrival – Looking Around – TIME.com