Damien Hirst at Sotheby’s – Thinking Outside the Dealer – NYTimes.com

Damien Hirst has a recurring nightmare. His big auction here is about to begin, and the Sotheby’s salesroom is overflowing with collectors and dealers. The auctioneer opens the bidding. Suddenly the place goes quiet. Not a paddle is raised.

“The galleries have convinced everyone not to bid,” Mr. Hirst said last month, recounting the dream while overseeing the installation of “Beautiful Inside My Head Forever” his one-artist, two-day auction at Sotheby’s. Beginning on Monday night it will include 223 works that he has produced over the last two years.

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