Our paths didn't really cross much at school (to use the US terminology), he's four years older than me and his last year at Goldsmiths' (1989) was my first.
I was aware of him though and my first experience of his great abilities at marketing and PR came at a party, at the ICA, one night in 1989; the buzz around him was incredible.
It would seem, that his dealer (art) has secured the desired asking price for his diamond encrusted skull (not Damien's actual skull- someone else's...read into that what you will). Entitled: For The Love of God.
Whatever you think of his art, you have to admire his titles.
He has a way with words.
The desired asking price? A mere £50 million.
Apparently, it's being purchased by an "investment group" and Damien is one of those investors.
Smart move.
As I said in that previous blog, I do actually really like this bling artifact and have been , grudgingly, admitting to myself that Damien is very talented; and not just a wide boy (although he is a wide boy too).
I am very suspicious of this deal though and would love to know how much the man himself has put up?
Through my friend, the artist and film-maker Derek Jarman I got to see the inner-workings of the art world: how dealers can control prices and the business-side is as important (and difficult to fathom) as the work itself.
Good luck to Damien though- I hope that some of that king's ransom will make it into the hands of some good causes- not least our old skool-Goldsmiths' College.
I was writing a job application yesterday- fingers crossed- and Goldsmiths's was very on my mind.
It's not a place you can describe in a few words.
My four years there were absolutely wonderful. It is magical.
It's a great sprawling building in the middle of a rough-as area of South London- with a great green out the back- that feels like it could be in Oxford; or somewhere a bit nicer than it is.
But you look around the students and it's not like some university's- a great White mass of middle/upper class kids.
It is an advert for diversity- of cultures, ethnicities, sexes, sexualities, ages...you name it, Goldsmith's has it in its mixing pot.
They make a real effort to give opportunities to people with talent- who may not be able to tick all the traditional boxes.
I was a "mature student"- at only 19..but I was classed as this because I didn't have A levels, my O level results were poor..I had a slightly dodgy- one-year access course- Diploma: in Trade Unions and Social Studies!
But they loved the fact I had dropped out of school to peace protest. They didn't even mind that I had been to prison.
In fact I went to prison for the last time- my third visit- during the Christmas holiday of my first year as a student there..for outstanding fines I refused to pay for "trespass on Salisbury Plains"- whilst a US Cruise missile "exercise "took place.
The Communications dept loved my photos- of protestors and missile lorries splatterd in paint.
I didn't actually take this one- it's me on top (aged 17)- but I did plan the shoot- with the photographer (Mr Bob Naylor) and construct the components of the image; and the "art work" on the vehicle was mine. So, they could see that I have a talent for conceiving memorable media.
The thing that is weird about looking at that now- is that at the time I felt very little fear. I now see the enormous danger; and wonder that I never broke my neck!
So, anyways, Goldsmith's tutors have an eye for spotting individuals who have the potential to go their own way and create something new: Mary Quant, Malcolm, McLaren, Blur, etc..
This makes the student union probably the best gathering of people in the world (OK- that's an advert..the UK, is closer to reality). But really, if you want to see what's going to happen in British culture in the next 10 years-it's worth hanging out with the Goldsmiths' freshers.
After my first year studying anthropology and communications (the first year they ran this fascinating combo) I became President of the Students Union. A lot happened that year but the thing Goldsmiths' alumni of that time always remind me of is my safer sex campaign.
I imported "dental dams" to the UK- for safe oral sex- and stood on chairs in the refectory and made speeches about them; with demos (in the best possible taste).
This campaign made it into the national press- Daily Sport, i think.
And, I was later told, that Jonathan Ross very nearly booked me for his chat show; but the producer was too nervous. (Thank God).
Then there was the time we booked the Rev Al Sharpton to come and speak to our students- that was fun. (He did make it on to Jonathan's show).
All these stories and good times were coming to me as I filled in the form (zzz). I hate filling in forms. My handwriting is terrible- who writes long-hand, anymore?
I'm thinking about doing a post grad course this Autumn (Fall).
Maybe, it's time to go back to my roots (part-time).
I have been back and lectured.
It was great.
I felt a bit ancient though!
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