“The Dream” is an installation artwork by Damien Hirst, a prominent artist known for his works within the Conceptual Art movement. The piece features the striking image of a unicorn, a mythical creature traditionally symbolizing purity and grace, situated within a glass and steel display case, reminiscent of a museum or scientific exhibit.
The artwork itself depicts a white horse with a horn affixed to its forehead to resemble a unicorn, encased within a cube-like structure which is both part of the presentation and a means to preserve the artwork. The horse appears to be suspended in formaldehyde, a substance Hirst often uses in his installations to preserve biological specimens. The blue tint of the liquid adds to the dreamlike and ethereal quality of the piece, referencing the title “The Dream.” This work can be interpreted in various ways, from a commentary on the creation and presentation of mythological or idealized creatures, to an examination of the intersection between science, nature, and art.
