Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Dark Rainbow
Summary
Dark Rainbow (2016) is a resin sculpture published by Other Criteria in an edition of 40, measuring roughly 56 x 40 x 25 cm. It renders a shark's open jaws in three dimensions, the teeth cast in bands of bright, translucent resin. Signed by Hirst in pencil on the underside of the jaw, it is the rare object among his editions.
Why It Matters
The shark is Hirst's signature emblem of mortality, first realized in the 1991 formaldehyde tank. Dark Rainbow pulls the jaws out of that context and stands them free as a colored, almost cartoonish trophy. It matters because it is a sculptural edition, not a print, translating a career-defining motif into a tangible, collectible form.
Collector Perspective
At 40 examples, this is one of Hirst's smallest and most physical editions, and three-dimensional objects sit apart from his prolific print output. Collectors value the hand-signature on the jaw, the substantial resin construction, and the display presence. As a freestanding sculpture it appeals to buyers seeking an object rather than a wall work.
Historical Context
Hirst's shark imagery traces to The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (1991), the piece that helped define the Young British Artists. Dark Rainbow, produced through Other Criteria, the artist's own publishing house, distills that iconography into an approachable sculptural edition two and a half decades later.
FAQ
Is Dark Rainbow a print or a sculpture?
It is a three-dimensional resin sculpture, not a print, depicting a shark's jaws with colored resin teeth.
How is it signed?
Hirst signed it in pencil on the underside of the jaw; the title, date and 'Other Criteria' are silkscreened in ink on the base of the stand.
How large is the edition?
It was published by Other Criteria in an edition of 40.
What motif does it reference?
The shark, one of Hirst's central symbols of fear and mortality, seen in his tank works and paintings.
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.