Bloc Magazine Spring 15

DAMIEN HIRST Artists collect objects for professional and private reasons. They are used as studio props, sources of inspiration, references for their work, personal mementos and even as investment. Some artists are connoisseurs, carefully shaping their collections and selling objects to make new purchases, while others are simply hoarders of things, never letting anything go. For example Dr Lakra, whose art involves decorating dolls and pictures clipped from medical books and 1950s Mexican magazines with macabre or tattoo-style designs, is inspired by his collection of scrapbooks and album covers. Magnificent Obsessions: The Artist as Collector is on view at the Barbican until May 25. Take a tour and inspire yourself. PETER BLAKE Previous page: Main image, cookie jars formerly in the collection of Andy Warhol, courtesy the Movado Group; 50 Glass Eyes, 1811-88, collection of Hiroshi Sugimoto; Desk clock with Laika and planets, © Martin Parr Collection/ Magnum Photos/ Rocket Gallery; Scarves designed by Vera Neumann in the collection of Pae White. Photo by Justin Piperger, © VNIP Holdings, LLC. Colckwise, from above: Masks from the collection of Peter Blake, photo by Hugo Glendinning; Dr Lakra Frente al Espejo (The Mirror), 2003, collection of Robert Devereux, image courtesy Kate MacGarry; Damien Hirst Last Kingdom, 2012, White Cube, London © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. Photographed by Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd.