Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Hallucinatory Head
Work Summary & Collector Notes
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.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Unique multiple within an edition of 50. Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
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.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print or object
- Release date
- 2014
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Hand Painted Multiple; catalog dimensions 17 x 14 x 21 cm.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Unique multiple within an edition of 50.
- Signature and marks
- Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering 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.
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 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.
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