Sotheby's Auction in London plans an unusual auction of new works by British contemporary artist Damien Hirst.(Photo: CCTV.com) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Sept. 11 -- Sotheby's Auction in London plans an unusual auction of new works by British contemporary artist Damien Hirst. The artist explains that going straight to auction rather than taking the usual route via galleries and dealers is his way of being "punk."

    The 43-year-old artist gave the contemporary art world something of a shock when he declared that his new collection, "Beautiful Inside My Head Forever," would go on auction. There are 220 new works. It's the first time any major artist has taken this approach.

Sotheby's Auction in London plans an unusual auction of new works by British contemporary artist Damien Hirst.(Photo: CCTV.com)Photo Gallery>>>

    Hirst is one of the world's most bankable painters and sculptors, The works are expected to raise over 65 million pounds.

    Estimates of the return from the London sale range from 15-20,000 pounds for smaller pieces - to eight to 12 million pounds for "The Golden Calf." That's a bull preserved in a tank of formaldehyde. The head is crowned by a solid gold disc. The hooves and horns are cast in 18-carat gold.

Sotheby's Auction in London plans an unusual auction of new works by British contemporary artist Damien Hirst.(Photo: CCTV.com) Photo Gallery>>>

    Proceeds from four of the lots, with a combined worth of around two million pounds, are to be donated to charity.

    The auction is scheduled Sept. 15 and 16.

    (Source: CCTV.com)