Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Hypnotic Head
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Hypnotic 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 in which each skull is individually spin-painted, making every example a distinct object within the edition.
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
Hypnotic Head fuses two of Hirst's signature devices: the spin technique and the memento-mori skull. Applying centrifugal gloss to a three-dimensional cranium marries chance-driven abstraction to the oldest symbol of mortality, collapsing his playful process and his gravest theme into a single hand-finished object.
Collector Perspective
Because each of the 50 is uniquely spun, no two are identical, which gives every example individual character and appeal. The series spans three named variations, of which Hypnotic Head is one category. Collectors should verify the specific category and the Other Criteria attribution, and assess the gloss surface, which as household paint on plastic can chip or scuff.
Historical Context
Hirst's spin paintings began in the mid-1990s as an embrace of chance and process, while the skull recurs across art history and his own work, most famously in the 2007 diamond skull. This 2014 Other Criteria edition unites the two, adapting the spin technique to a sculptural skull across three named forms: Hypnotic, Hallucinatory and Transcendent.
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: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Hirst's spin paintings began in the mid-1990s as an embrace of chance and process, while the skull recurs across art history and his own work, most famously in the 2007 diamond skull. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. 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
Is each skull unique?
Yes. Although part of an edition of 50, each skull is individually spin-painted, making every example a unique multiple.
What are the three variations?
The series comprises three named categories: Hypnotic Head, Hallucinatory Head and Transcendent Head.
What technique was used?
The now-famous spin technique, with household gloss applied to a plastic skull.
Who published it?
Other Criteria, Hirst's own publishing venture.
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