Damien Hirst at the Tate, or Hirst in general

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I come from a fairly arty background (Dad used to earn a living as a painter and Mum went to art school), so even though I'm not particularly into art much myself I can understand why other people appreciate art through the ages. However, modern art has always been a stumbling block for me, with things like Hirst's 'shock' pieces leaving me scratching my head. The only reason I can see for the critical praise for Emin's (in)famous Unmade Bed et al is that it's 'fashionable' within certain social circles to like that stuff.



What am I missing?

I think at the time the work of this group was regarded as super radical and it seen as a kick in the pants to the art establishment, because it was a rebellion of sorts. But you take it out of that context and its less impactful and somehow more kids kicking off than it is talent and vision. And it went into the establishment so quickly that effectively it became it. Which says more about the art world than the artist.

Modern art however is such a broad term that it can't be possible to not get all of it..and as term used for a collection or a period of art it actually ended before Hirst started working. Hirst is more Postmodern really.