As a contemporary artist Damien Hirst has often attracted controversy; never more so than when using animals within his work. His exhibits have involved a diverse range of animal specimens including mammals, fish, insects and various organic remains. One estimate puts the total number of individual organisms at over 900,000<sup>1</sup>. His activities have raised concerns amongst animal welfare organisations and prompted protests from animal rights campaigners.<br><br>His exhibits often explore ideas of mortality and death. His piece “In and Out of Love” involved thousands of butterflies living out their lifespan within a confined room. Other work incorporated already dead specimens: ‘The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living’ showcased a Tiger Shark preserved in formaldehyde, suspended in a transparent cabinet. <br><br>Aside from the ethical controversies arising from this piece, many questions emerge relating to the physical longevity of art, its authenticity and value. As the methods used to preserve the shark began to fail the artwork deteriorated, changing in appearance and in its visual impact. A new shark cadaver was sourced to replace the original decaying specimen and restore the exhibit. Debate ensues as to whether this significant change to the original renders the piece inauthentic: its uniqueness has been compromised, questioning the conventional understanding of original art. In answer Hirst suggests that the original intention of the piece remains intact, and that its physical originality is of lesser importance in maintaining the validity of his work.<br>