Skip to Content

precious hirst butterfly art
Precious on the Left, Hirst on the Right

Everyone from Michael Silverblatt who says it's about context, to Jonathan Lethem who says Hirst is 'lame' have weighed in on the alleged theft by Damian Hirst of the signature style of local LA artist Lori Precious. Hirst's latest works use animals as he has before, in this case butterflies in the shape of rose or arched cathedral windows. Precious has been doing more-or-less the same thing for 10 years (see the picture above). The whole tempest began at LA master art blog Supertouch in the comments section to a preview post of Hirst's LA show at the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills. It seems unlikely that Hirst will care about Precious' protests, but it's also understandable that she'd want to get some attention for her own work.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Bad Brains Legend HR Pays a Visit To Students at Watts Conservatory of Music

The hardcore punk and reggae legend spoke about his foundational "positive mental attitude" philosophy, and played a few songs with the school's teachers.

May 26, 2026

Who Won The Top Prize At L.A. TACO’s Inaugural “Taquero Super Torneo?”

Eight taquerias competed in 3-versus-3 soccer matches, but only one reigned victorious!

May 26, 2026

Sunday Taquitos #27: Losing Bet and Mercenaries

Sunday Taquitos! Art by Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ivan Ehlers.

May 24, 2026

Exclusive: Wife of Hunger Striking Detainee Speaks Out on Inhumane Treatment

According to a lawyer with the National Day Labor Network, a hunger strike is a last resort—it is what people do when every other option has been taken away.

Weekend Eats: On-Tap Sarsaparilla and Soylent Green Cocktails At This Apocalypse-Themed Bar

Plus chocolate-and-ice cream tacos, a new Argentine asado up on the eight floor, and a taco fundraiser for Gaza emergency medical workers.

May 22, 2026

Investigations Newsletter: L.A. TACO Reporter Detained While Reporting (Again)

“Sign right there,” LAPD Officer Lockhart ordered. “If you don’t sign, you go to jail, it’s simple.”

May 22, 2026
See all posts