Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Hallucinatory Head
Summary
Hallucinatory Head is a 2014 hand-painted multiple: household gloss spun onto a plastic skull, measuring 170 x 210 x 140 mm. Published by Other Criteria, it is one of an edition of 50 unique multiples, each skull individually spin-painted so that no two examples share the same pattern of color.
Why It Matters
As one of three named variations in the spin-skull edition, Hallucinatory Head brings Hirst's chance-based spin process to the enduring memento-mori motif. The unique swirl of gloss on each cranium turns a symbol of death into a vivid, unrepeatable field of color, uniting his most exuberant method with his most solemn subject.
Collector Perspective
Every example is individually spun and therefore unique, a strong draw for collectors who value one-of-a-kind character within an edition. Collectors should confirm the Hallucinatory Head category specifically, verify the Other Criteria publication, and examine the household-gloss surface, which can be vulnerable to chipping and scuffing on the plastic form.
Historical Context
The spin-skull edition adapts Hirst's mid-1990s spin technique to a three-dimensional skull, combining process-driven abstraction with a motif that spans art history and his own diamond-skull work. Published by Other Criteria in 2014, the edition of 50 is divided among three named forms, of which Hallucinatory Head is one.
FAQ
How does it differ from Hypnotic and Transcendent Head?
All three are spin-painted skulls in the same edition; they are the three named category variations within the series of 50.
Is each example unique?
Yes. Every skull is individually spin-painted, so no two are alike despite the shared edition.
What is it made of?
Household gloss paint applied to a plastic skull using the spin technique.
Who published the work?
Other Criteria, Hirst's publishing venture.
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.