Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Mickey (Small)
Summary
Mickey (Small) is a signed, numbered silkscreen with glaze from an edition of 250, published by Other Criteria and measuring 87.5 x 70 cm. It reimagines Disney's Mickey Mouse through Hirst's spot-painting language, reducing the character to a small set of colored circles.
Why It Matters
The image traces to a 2009 commission in which Disney invited Hirst to interpret Mickey in his own idiom. By translating one of the most recognizable characters in the world into his spot vocabulary, Hirst tests how far a subject can be abstracted before recognition breaks, a pointed exercise in branding and reduction.
Collector Perspective
This is one of the more accessible entry points into Hirst's spot editions, both in scale and in edition size. The signature and number provide clear provenance markers. Collectors often value it as a crossover object bridging blue-chip contemporary art and pop-culture iconography.
Historical Context
Hirst's spot paintings date to 1986 and became a defining, factory-produced series. Mickey applies that grammar to a licensed character, an unusual meeting of a museum-tier artist and a mass-entertainment brand, and sits within his ongoing negotiation between fine art and commercial imagery.
FAQ
How does Mickey relate to Hirst's spot paintings?
It uses the same visual language of flat colored circles, arranging a minimal set of spots into a recognizable Mickey Mouse silhouette.
Is it signed?
Yes. This edition of 250 is signed and numbered by the artist and published by Other Criteria.
What prompted the image?
A 2009 invitation from Disney for Hirst to interpret Mickey Mouse in his own artistic language.
What is the medium?
A silkscreen print finished with glaze, measuring approximately 87.5 x 70 cm.
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.