07/16?/18  - It’s a love/hate thing what Damien Hirst (UK, 1965) causes. No middle terms. Since the 80s he has been shocking us with his animals in formaldehyde solution and his diamond-encrusted skulls. Not to mention the show (because that’s what it was) last year at the Punta della Dogana  However he now offers us again his famous spots, this time at the Gagosian Gallery  in Chelsea, New York. These colored spots, from a far look like pilled candies and are distributed in large canvases throughout the rooms. It’s an extravaganza of joy broadcasted by the color.

It is known that Hirst works on these paintings completely by himself, with no assistants. Sarah Thornton, in her book “33 Artists in 3 Acts”, mentions this. Only Hirst’s hand to complete millions of spots in this contemporary Op Art example.  Is this a plus to be considering when approaching the artwork?

Colour Space Paintings, by Damien Hirst

Colour Space Paintings, by Damien Hirst

There’s also a segmented shark on display, in four tanks with formaldehyde solution. Hirst has stated several times that the animals used in his intallations were already dead. However, he said to be considering 3D printables in the future. The installation is entitled “Myth Explored, Explained, Exploded” and can be seen from the street. A perfect bait to invite us to visit the galley.

Myth Explored, Explained, Exploded, by Damien Hirst (1993–99)