Brit-Art meets Brit-Pop as Damien Hirst designs statuettes for the Brit Awards

He is the third artist to be asked to produce a bespoke trophy for the annual music industry event

Will One Direction be presented with a rotting shark? Damien Hirst will place his artistic stamp on the Brit Awards when he designs a new statue for the music industry event.

Hirst will become the third artist to design the trophies, which will be handed out on Wednesday 20 February 2013 at the O2 Arena. Dame Vivienne Westwood and pop artist Sir Peter Blake have previously produced bespoke Brits statues.

Hirst’s recent show at London's Tate Modern was the most visited solo show and second-most visited exhibition in the gallery's history.

But the commission arrives after figures from the international art company Artnet showed that works produced by the Hirst between 2005 and the £111 million direct sale of his art in 2008 have resold for nearly 30 per cent less than their original purchase price.

James Corden will return to host the awards for the third consecutive year. The 2012 event, broadcast on ITV, enjoyed their highest television viewing figures since 2005, peaking at 7.8 million.

David Joseph, Brits chairman, said: “We are delighted that Damien will become the third extraordinary creative Briton to reimagine the Brit statue. He is truly one of the most important British artists ever and his unique vision will make winning a 2013 Brit an even more special proposition.”

This year’s awards produced a major sales boost for winners including Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Lana Del Rey and Coldplay. They also prompted controversy after Adele’s winner’s speech was cut short for Blur’s live show-closing performance.

The 2013 Brits, which have traditionally over-looked “pop” acts in favour of more credible artists, could recognise One Direction, the X Factor-created boyband which has become a global sensation. The nominations will be announced in January.