Showing - Damien Hirst 'New Religion' @ Wallspace - London

Say what you like about Damien Hirst – and God knows, I’d said a few things in the past – but there’s no getting round the fact that he ain’t a bad artist. And have you ever read any of his interviews? Let me tell you, they’re pretty interesting. OK. Yes. I’m stating the obvious; the guy has something to say. Sure the Pharmacy stuff was a bit obvious. But the whole Pharmacy restaurant thing was a bit, well, off key to say the least. And, yes, yes, admittedly, Hirst can come across a touch abrupt, pompous even. But wouldn’t you be if the whole concept of Brit Art hinged on your contribution and influence? However, having said all that, Hirst has been quiet of late. He hasn’t ruffled any feathers or caused a scene. Gone are the coke-fuelled nights in Soho. Hell, his old hangout Grouchos’ is now stayed and dull; a media hangout for the highbrow-have-it-alls. Yep. Hirst has long been established, and today he’s been nothing if not subdued.

Not for long though. Now, the man is giving his all to ‘New Religion’, a show that, unsurprisingly, is taking place in a church turned art venue; All Hallows in London Wall. The whole point of the show is the rift between science and religion – religion, the most overly debated subject in the history of mankind. So, the whole thing will undoubtedly cause a little stir. While the exhibition is presented by Wallspace, Hirst is holding centre stage with a selection of works covering almost every medium from silkscreen to sculpture. These include a child’s scull cast in silver and a heart pierced by syringes, razorblades and nasty looking medical paraphernalia (above). The latter is a pretty hot piece of work. It’s the kind of sculpture that give’s you goose bumps. It’s poignant. It's superb. It’s brilliant. So there you have it. Pharmacy may have been pants but this new stuff, it’s bang on.

Damien Hirst 'New Religion' @ Wallspace, All Hallows on the Wall, 83 London Wall, London EC2, from 7th March.