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Damien Hirst Paintings

British, b. 1965

British artist Damien Hirst is widely considered the enfant terrible of contemporary art. He is the most prominent of the so-called Young British Artists, or YBAs, a group, largely composed of Hirst’s classmates at Goldsmiths, in London, that began exhibiting together in warehouses and factories after 1988 and is known for the use of unconventional materials and “shock tactics” in his paintings, prints, sculptures and other works.

In the 1990s, Hirst said, “I can’t wait to get into a position to make really bad art and get away with it.” And indeed, he is notorious for piquing critics and baffling the public with such pieces as his signature glass vitrines containing dead sheep or sharks in formaldehyde, and his diamond-encrusted skull, For the Love of God.

Working primarily in sculpture, Hirst takes after French modernist master Marcel Duchamp in his use of ready-made objects and materials, which he combines to ironic effect. He often creates in series, as with "The Cure (Violet)" and "The Cure (Turquoise)," both from 2014, which are among several pill paintings referencing Andy Warhol’s embrace of mass production.

Belonging to Hirst's ongoing series of “spot” paintings, begun in the 1980s, the 2005 piece Xylene Cyanol Dye Solution is striking for its machinelike, industrial uniformity and almost childlike simplicity, a seeming rebuke to the idea of the artist-as-genius.

In addition to making art, Hirst has launched stores that sell editioned works (Other Criteria), a restaurant (Pharmacy2) and even his own London museum (Newport Street Gallery).

Find original Damien Hirst paintings, prints and other works on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Damien Hirst
Original Damien Hirst Butterfly Spin Painting, 2009
By Damien Hirst
Located in Seattle, WA
This is an original painting by Damien Hirst, created with public collaboration at the Damien Hirst Spin Workshop to celebrate the opening of Requiem at the PinchukArt Centre, Ukrain...
Category

Early 2000s Ukrainian Post-Modern Damien Hirst Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

DAMIEN HIRST (b. 1965) "Butterfly" Signed and Stamped on the Back
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, ES
DAMIEN HIRST (b. 1965) "Butterfly," acrylic on paper. Signed and stamped on the back. "This painting was made to celebrate the opening of Damien Hirst's Requiem at the PinciukArtCen...
Category

20th Century Modern Damien Hirst Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Damien Hirst Saturn Spin Painting Signed to rear and with the Hirst Blind Stamp
By Damien Hirst
Located in Hastings, GB
Damien Hirst, British, born1965 Requiem Saturn Spin 2009 Saturn spin painting acrylic on card With the Hirst signature to the reverse, This was made to celebrate the Hirst show 'R...
Category

Early 2000s British Modern Damien Hirst Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

DAMIEN HIRST (b. 1965) "Disc" Signed and Stamped on the Back
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, ES
DAMIEN HIRST (b. 1965) "Disc" acrylic on paper. Signed and stamped on the back. "This painting was made to celebrate the opening of Damien Hirst's Requiem at the PinciukArtCentre,...
Category

20th Century Modern Damien Hirst Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

DAMIEN HIRST (b. 1965) "Skull" Signed and Stamped on the Back
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, ES
DAMIEN HIRST (b. 1965) "Skull," acrylic on paper. Signed and stamped on the back. "This painting was made to celebrate the opening of Damien Hirst's Requiem at the PinciukArtCentre ...
Category

20th Century Modern Damien Hirst Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

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Damien Hirst Copper "Pharmacy" Fragment
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Damien Hirst wallpaper fragment from the famed Pharmacy restaurant in London. Fragment shows variuos pills and bottles all printed on copper metalli...
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Damien Hirst Copper "Pharmacy" Fragment
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Andrew Plum Louisiana Blues Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2009
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Nicola L. Signed Original Untitled Modernist Painting, 1965
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An exceptional, signed and original painting by Nicola L., produced for the artist's first solo exhibition at Galerie Boualkia in France in 1965. A wonderful modernist painting which...
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Robert Dash Painting "Going to the Beach"
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Famous Hampton artist Robert Dash painting of Hampton's scene titled "Going to the Beach" probably Sag Main. In custom chrome frame.
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Original Watercolor Painting, Skagen Harbor Scene
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Butterfly Hunter Digital Painting
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The protagonist of this Pop-Surrealist digital painting is a butterfly hunter, who catches her prey in the palms of her hands to experience the fleeting throb of its wings. She then releases it to fly free and light, like thoughts of joy. Signed, numbered limited edition with “Certificate of Authenticity”. Basswood box frame.   Year of Creation: 2015 Edition Number: 1/300 Artist’s Signature: Printed on the Canvas + original signature on Limited Edition Certificate...
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Still Live Painting of Butterflies by Bridget Orlando
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Photo-Realistic still Life of butterflies painted on canvas by Bridget Orlando. The inspiration for this painting came from an early twentieth century collection of butterflies from all over the world mounted with pins in boxes. Bridget became fascinated by the ephemeral beauty and fragility of butterflies, the intricacies of their patterned wings which require close scrutiny. On a large scale they become a blaze of color and texture, easily seen from a distance. They have a surreal element of something being larger than it should be, like a scene from Gulliver Travels...
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Painting by Peter Keil, Signed, Acrylic On Paper, No Frame, Germany, C 1965, Art
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Peter Robert Keil was born to an artist blacksmith father whom he lost very early in his childhood during the Second World War. During the end phase of the war, Keil's mother, also a...
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Damien Hirst Skull Spin Painting (Created at Damien Hirst Spin Workshop), 2009
By Damien Hirst
Located in North Miami, FL
A fantastic Damien Hirst Spin painting with explosions of vivid color amidst the timeless, mysterious form of a standout Hirst skull, encased in double paned museum quality glass and natural oak frame. This Damien Hirst Spin painting originates from Hirst’s ‘Spin Workshop’ - a public event hosted by the artist to celebrate the opening of his heralded 2009 exhibition: ‘Requiem’ at the PinchukArtCentre, Ukraine. THIS ITEM IS LOCATED AND WILL SHIP FROM OUR MIAMI, FLORIDA SHOWROOM. Spin art is a technique in which the paint is first applied and then the canvas is quickly rotated. Depending on the duration and speed of rotation, the color distribution and a random result is achieved. Year: 2009 Format: 50 x 71 cm / 19.7 x 28 inch Material: Die-cut wove paper Method: Acrylic...
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Richard Hirsch Prototype Encaustic Paintings of Nothing Series, 2009
By Richard A. Hirsch
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's encaustic "Paintings of Nothing Series" #1, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 are made of ceramic raw materials, dry pigment and wax. These ...
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Andrew Plum Nebula Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2009
By Andrew Plum
Located in Montreal, QC
“Nebula” is an original, one of a kind, blue, yellow, orange, purple, red, pink, cream, white, black, contemporary, acrylic on canvas abstract painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Andrew...
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Previously Available Items
Damien Hirst " Throw It Around " 2002
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, ES
Damien Hirst Throw it around (from In a Spin, the Action of the World on Things, Volume II), 2002 Graphic work Damien Hirst Hand signed lithograph by Damien Hirst 112cm x 92c...
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Damien Hirst " Throw It Around " 2002
Damien Hirst " Throw It Around " 2002
H 44.1 in W 36.23 in D 1.97 in

Damien Hirst paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Damien Hirst paintings are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of plastic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Damien Hirst paintings, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Prices for Damien Hirst paintings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $12,000 and can go as high as $12,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,498.
Questions About Damien Hirst Paintings
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Damien Hirst is a contemporary artist. He is well-known for producing spot paintings that consist of uniform dots of color. However, he primarily works as a sculptor, creating works of art out of found objects. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Damien Hirst art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Damien Hirst is famous for creating sculptures out of found objects. One of his most well-known works is For the Love of God, a human skull encrusted with genuine diamonds. You may also recognize the colorful spot paintings that he began creating in the late 1980s. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Damien Hirst art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The original shark by Damien Hirst no longer exists. It deteriorated during the 1990s and was remade in 2006. The name of the piece is The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living. Charles Saatchi owns the new work. As of December 2021, the shark is not on public display. Shop a collection of Damien Hirst art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Damien Hirst was born in Bristol, United Kingdom, on June 7, 1965. During the late 1980s and 1990s, he became famous as one of the Young British Artists who showed their works in warehouses and galleries throughout London. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Damien Hirst art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Damien Hirst was born on June 7, 1965, in Bristol, United Kingdom. He gained fame as a part of the Young British Artists who exhibited their work in London in the late 1980s and early 1990s. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Damien Hirst art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    No one knows if Damien Hirst is Banksy. By working in out-of-the-way locations, wearing disguises and enlisting the help of a team of support personnel to assist him, the street artist Banksy has managed to successfully conceal his identity. Some people do suspect that Damien Hirst may be the person behind the Banksy persona due to collaborations between the two. The Daily Mail newspaper identified Robin Gunningham as Banksy during the 2010s, but no one has ever confirmed that the Bristol, UK, native is the street artist. Other people believe that the street artist 3D may be Banksy. Find a diverse assortment of Banksy art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Damien Hirst lives in the United Kingdom. Specifically, he splits his time between residences in the cities of London, Gloucestershire and Devon. He was born in Bristol on June 7, 1965. Shop a large selection of Damien Hirst art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Damien Hirst credits many sources of inspiration for influencing his work. Pathology textbooks, the British children's television show Blue Peter and his parochial school education inspired various projects. The sculptures and paintings of artist Margaret Mellis and the collages produced by her husband Francis Davison encouraged him to incorporate found objects into his art. Find a selection of Damien Hirst art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Damien Hirst is successful because his works are imaginative and captivate a wide range of people, not just art aficionados. He is notorious for piquing critics and baffling the public with such pieces as his signature glass vitrines containing dead sheep or sharks in formaldehyde, and his diamond-encrusted skull, For the Love of God. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Damien Hirst art from some of the world's top galleries.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Damien Hirst is best known for his use of unconventional materials and "shock tactics" in his paintings, prints, sculptures and other works. He is notorious for piquing critics and baffling the public with such pieces as his signature glass vitrines containing dead sheep or sharks in formaldehyde and his diamond-encrusted skull, For the Love of God. Working primarily in sculpture, Hirst takes after French modernist master Marcel Duchamp in his use of ready-made objects and materials, which he combines to ironic effect. He often creates in series, as with "The Cure (Violet)" and "The Cure (Turquoise)," both from 2014, which are among several pill paintings referencing Andy Warhol's embrace of mass production. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Damien Hirst art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Where you can see Damien Hirst's art varies. His works are in the collections of major museums, including the Broad in Los Angeles, the Tate Britain in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Galleries, such as Gagosian in London, and museums, such as the Museo Jumex in Mexico City, have also hosted exhibitions of his works. Explore a range of Damien Hirst art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    For the Love of God by Damien Hirst is at the White Cube Gallery in London, United Kingdom. Hirst made the sculpture in 2007. It consists of a human skull covered in genuine diamonds. Shop a range of Damien Hirst art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Damien Hirst uses a variety of techniques to create his art. His early spot paintings were paint applied directly to the walls of warehouses using mathematical calculations as a guide. Pieces from his biopsy series consisted of inkjet and gloss and found materials applied to canvas. Damien Hirst repurposes everyday objects to produce many of his sculptures. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Damien Hirst art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Damien Hirst doesn't use any specific materials to produce his art. Instead, he employs different media that suit the subject of his work. Often, Hirst combines found objects to create collages or converts them into sculptures. He made his spot series by painstakingly applying paint to walls and other materials. Find a collection of Damien Hirst art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Damien Hirst’s art is so controversial largely because he intends for it to be. In the 1990s, Hirst said, “I can’t wait to get into a position to make really bad art and get away with it.” And indeed, he is notorious for piquing critics and baffling the public with such pieces as his signature glass vitrines containing dead sheep or sharks in formaldehyde, and his diamond-encrusted skull, For the Love of God. Working primarily in sculpture, Hirst takes after French modernist master Marcel Duchamp in his use of ready-made objects and materials, which he combines to ironic effect, and the results are met with mixed reactions. Shop a selection of Damien Hirst art from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
    How much Damien Hirst’s shark is worth today is unknown. However, in 2005, it sold for somewhere between $8 and $12 million. Called The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, the piece was a shark preserved in formaldehyde. In 2006, the original shark was replaced with a new specimen because it had begun to deteriorate. Its owner, Steven A. Cohen, lent the piece to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where it was displayed from 2007 to 2010. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Damien Hirst art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
    How much an original Damien Hirst is worth depends on its medium, size, historical significance, condition and other factors. In 2007, his Lullaby Spring sold for $19.2 million at auction. The piece is a steel and glass cabinet filled with 6,136 pills that Hirst painted by hand. It is an example of Hirst's use of found objects and materials, which he combines to ironic effect. He often creates in series, as with The Cure (Violet) and The Cure (Turquoise), both from 2014, which are among several pill paintings referencing Andy Warhol’s embrace of mass production. Lullaby Spring was an earlier exploration of a similar theme and part of Hirst's Pill Cabinet series. If you own an original Hirst, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer can evaluate it and give you an estimated value for the piece. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Damien Hirst art.
  • Large oils are worth many millions of dollars. The value would depend on the size, composition and importance of the piece
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Whether or not Damien Hirst prints are a good investment will depend upon a range of factors such as condition, rarity and more. The British artist initially came to the attention of the art world for his curating skills, bursting onto the scene with the now legendary exhibition “Freeze,” which he organized in a derelict southeast London dock warehouse in 1988. But what earned him notoriety were his in-your-face artworks, such as a dead cow’s head and flies and a menagerie of sliced up animals, as well as his rock-and-roll lifestyle of boozing, drug taking and exhibitionism. In 2008, Hirst bypassed his established dealers and sold more than 200 works at auction for $170 million.

    Determining the value of any collectible depends upon a variety of aspects. Because Hirst, a former member of the Young British Artists movement, is so well-known for his provocative sculptures and other works of Conceptual art, this can have a positive effect on the long-term value of his prints.

    New collectors are often directed toward prints as a starting point. Accessibility, however, does not mean prints appreciate at a different pace from other mediums. The market for paintings increases parallel to the prints market. It's good to keep in mind that price is not the only practical reason to embrace the medium. Prints are often a more feasible way of acquiring works by an artist you love but who tends to create objects you could never house.

    Hirst has frequently landed on animals and insects when searching for subjects for his prints and other works that could capture the fragility and fleetingness of existence. His lush, blood-red series of giclée prints titled “The Empresses” contains five different editions, each named for a historical female ruler, and each printed with a complex pattern of butterflies on aluminum accented with glitter.

    At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Buyers should keep in mind that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor.

    Find a range of authentic Damien Hirst prints and other art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Damien Hirst is well-known for his spot paintings, of which he created thirteen series. His first series alone, known as the “Pharmaceutical” series, totaled more than 1,000 paintings. In 2013, Hirst revealed that there are 1,365 spot paintings in existence today. Find a selection of Damien Hirst paintings from top sellers on 1stDibs.

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