Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Ala-His (First Edition)
Summary
Ala-His is a 2011 color woodcut, part of a larger series of forty woodblock prints, published by Paragon Press. Measuring roughly 11.5 x 9 inches, it is signed and numbered from an edition of 55, showing Hirst working in a traditional relief medium rather than his more familiar screenprint output.
Why It Matters
Woodcut is a demanding, historically weighted technique, and Hirst's use of it signals a deliberate engagement with printmaking craft. As one of forty related sheets, Ala-His belongs to a coherent body of work where Hirst translates his spot vocabulary into the physical grain and layered registration of relief printing.
Collector Perspective
The intimate scale and edition of 55 make this an accessible entry into Hirst's more craft-oriented editions. Collectors drawn to series completeness may pursue multiple sheets from the forty-print group. Confirm the pencil signature and reverse numbering, and note the smaller format when planning framing and display.
Historical Context
Paragon Press, founded by Charles Booth-Clibborn, has published ambitious artist print portfolios since the 1980s and collaborated with Hirst on several woodcut projects. Ala-His reflects the early-2010s period when Hirst systematically reworked his signature spot motif across traditional matrices including woodcut and etching.
FAQ
What series is Ala-His part of?
It comes from a set of forty related woodcut prints Hirst produced with Paragon Press.
What is the edition size?
It is signed and numbered from an edition of 55.
Who published it?
Paragon Press, the London publisher known for ambitious artist print portfolios.
How does a woodcut differ from Hirst's screenprints?
A woodcut is a relief technique carved into wood and printed by hand-registered blocks, giving a more textural, craft-driven surface than the flat, mechanical evenness of screenprint.
About the Artist
Damien Hirst (born 1965, Bristol) is a British artist and the most prominent figure of the Young British Artists (YBAs). Rising to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s, he built a practice around mortality, science, religion, and beauty — from formaldehyde-preserved animals to his Spot, Spin, and Butterfly (Kaleidoscope) series. Hirst is also one of the most prolific printmakers in contemporary art, releasing extensive signed editions through his own science-led studio and, more recently, the HENI imprint. His work has commanded record prices and defined the market for blue-chip contemporary editions.
Collecting Damien Hirst at Gauntlet Gallery
Which Damien Hirst prints should I collect?
Signed, numbered editions from his signature series — Spots, Butterflies/Kaleidoscope, Spins, Cherry Blossoms, and skull works — are the collectible core. Look for strong condition and the artist's pencil signature. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes complete, well-documented impressions.
How is a Hirst print authenticated?
We sell Hirst works with documented provenance and the edition's signature and numbering; many carry HENI or studio documentation. Each piece is photographed exactly as it ships, including signature and edition details.
What drives value?
Series and image (iconic Spots and Butterflies lead), edition size, format and scale, condition, and provenance all drive value. Hand-signed, low-numbered, and diamond-dust or foilblock works command premiums.