Agony and Ecstasy

Centered on the question of portraiture and self-representation, this exhibition curated by Francesca Amfitheatrof took its title from the eponymous work of Damien Hirst and the short story by Irving Stone depicting the life of Michelangelo through his correspondence. It brought together the works of four major artists of the contemporary scene, who offer as many answers to this crucial issue in the history of art. The spectator was thus invited to stroll through the exhibition spaces between the visceral and existential appearances of Damien Hirst, the works of Jeff Koons oscillating between the familiar and the spectacular, the hypersexualized sculptures of Takashi Murakami inspired by the otaku universe and the self-portraits played by Cindy Sherman, defying the effects of time and constantly questioning our constructed identities.

With this first major event in Asia presenting some famous artists from the international scene, Pinault Collection expressed its desire to explore new territories of creation and art.