Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Black Utopia (Black Brilliant Utopia - Diamond Dust)
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Black Brilliant Utopia is a 2014 giclee print with glaze and diamond dust from an edition of 50, measuring 86.5 x 71 cm. Co-published by Other Criteria and Paul Stolper, it presents Hirst's spot composition on a black ground animated by the reflective sparkle of applied diamond dust.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 50. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
As a companion to the Dead Black variant, this print shows how a single Utopia composition changes with a shift in ground and finish. The diamond dust converts the ordered grid of spots into a surface that flickers as the viewer moves, blending Hirst's systematic spot logic with genuine optical spectacle.
Collector Perspective
Collectors often consider the Black and Dead Black versions as a related pair while valuing each on its own merits. The 86.5 x 71 cm format suits domestic display, and the dual Other Criteria and Paul Stolper publication line is well documented. Framing under glass that preserves the sparkle is a common consideration.
Historical Context
The Utopia editions belong to Hirst's 2010s expansion of the spot paintings into richer print media. Diamond dust knowingly nods to Warhol, while the collaboration with Paul Stolper reflects a sustained working relationship that yielded several technically ambitious Hirst print series.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print
- Release date
- 2014
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Giclee Print; catalog dimensions 86.5 x 71 cm.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition of 50.
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Damien Hirst's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: No per-work artist statement is recorded for this edition. Any thematic reading should be treated as interpretation of the imagery, not a documented statement of the artist's intent. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2014 and attributes the edition to Other Criteria. The saved description also notes: Published by Other Criteria & Paul Stolper.
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Other Criteria. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- Damien Hirst — official site — Damien Hirst studio (Science Ltd.) · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Damien Hirst — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Damien Hirst (Q294326) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
How does this differ from the Dead Black version?
Both are diamond-dust Utopia prints of the same size and technique, but the ground tone differs, subtly altering the surface reflection and overall mood.
What is the medium?
Inkjet giclee with glaze and diamond dust, 86.5 x 71 cm.
Is it signed and numbered?
Yes. The edition of 50 is signed and numbered by the artist.
Who published it?
Other Criteria and Paul Stolper, in 2014.
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