Damien Hirst: Spots

Damien Hirst uses printmaking techniques, such as aquatint, etching, and woodcut to celebrate the technical precision and simple joy of color in his arguably most iconic and recognizable series 'Spots'. 

He explores the relationship between different shades and tones in a controlled grid composition. Each dot's color is deliberately selected, in fact, the exact pattern of colors never repeats in any two 'Spots' pieces.  The series is a masterful and contemporary study of color theory and a celebration of color and happiness. 

‘Pyronin Y,’ ‘Ethidium Bromide Aqueous Solution,’ and 'Cineole’ Etchings and Aquatints were created between 2004-2005. The pieces feature Hirst’s iconic individually colored spots, a series emphasizing the harmony of color. The different shades and tones compliment each other seamlessly. He revisits this theme in 2016 with the creation of ‘Spots’ Woodcuts, all exhibited in the Arton collection. 

'Unique Spots' is an energetic new approach to Hirst's signature spots series. Created in 2022, the work resembles the impressionistic movement used in  'The Virtues Cherry Blossom Series.' The entire composition is flooded with brilliant colors, each tone simultaneously repealing and attracting those surrounding it. 'Unique Spots' Monoprint documents the joy of color in a manner that juxtaposes Hirst's previous machine like approach.

Damien Hirst's work constantly forces us to reevaluate and expand the boundaries of what it means to produce art in our modern world. He challenges us as viewers to examine aesthetics, design, and mass production. By blending the familiar and the unfamiliar Hirst has solidified his status as one of the most infamous contemporary artists of his time.