Myths, Monsters and Legends - Tapa dura

In this unique art book and epic collaboration, long-term friends, photographer Rankin and artist Damien Hirst, leverage their respective creative mediums and shared dark wit. Inspired by their conversations around myths, monsters and legends, they decided to extend their exploration of the subject by creating something tangible. When Rankin met one of Hirst's favourite subjects, the pair gained a third collaborator in model, Dani Smith. Originating from Damien's fascination with the ancient world, and with Rankin keen to push himself creatively beyond the constraints of the expected fashion and beauty photography, the trio worked together to create menacing beasts and ethereal creatures from other times. This is an exploration of imagined narratives and the monsters of the ancient world, viewed through a modern lens. It will appeal to people who have an eye for high art and an appreciation of the surreal. This publication accompanies an exhibition of the same name, showing in London and Los Angeles in Autumn 2011.

Synonymous with dynamic and intimate portraiture, photographer, Rankin, has shot everyone from royalty to rockstars. His powerful images are part of contemporary iconography, and are made up of an eclectic cross-section of his own personal interests and commercial campaigns. Featuring a diverse range of subjects and subject matter, he has shot for some of the world's biggest brands, best-loved charities, hippest publications. Nike, Swatch, Dove, Pantene, Diageo. Women's Aid, Oxfam, Breakthrough Breastcancer, Wonderland, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Elle magazine, all feature on his client list.

Damien Hirst's wide-ranging practice - installations, sculpture, painting and drawing - has sought to challenge the boundaries between art, science and popular culture. His energy and inventiveness, and his consistently visceral, visually arresting work, has made him a leading artist of his generation.