Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
N-Methyl L-Aspartic Acid
Work Summary & Collector Notes
N-Methyl L-Aspartic Acid is a 2012 glazed silkscreen from Damien Hirst's spot series, published by Other Criteria in an edition of 150. At 59.7 x 54.6 cm it is among the smaller spot prints, presenting a compact grid of individually placed, non-repeating colour spots. Named after an amino-acid derivative, the print is signed and numbered in Hirst's pharmaceutical naming tradition.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 150. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
The spot prints are Hirst's most recognizable editioned works, and their chemical titles are integral to their meaning. N-Methyl L-Aspartic Acid draws its name from a compound tied to neuroscience, extending the series' study of the body and its chemistry. Its smaller scale makes it an accessible entry point into Hirst's most iconic motif.
Collector Perspective
The intimate 59.7 x 54.6 cm format and edition of 150 make this one of the more attainable spot prints, ideal for a first Hirst acquisition or a clustered spot display. The glaze finish rewards close viewing but should be framed to control reflections. Confirm signature, numbering, and surface condition, as smaller sheets can be prone to edge handling.
Historical Context
Hirst's spot paintings, begun in 1988, operate on the rule that no colour repeats within a single work. Rendered as prints through his Other Criteria imprint, each spot is inked separately, making the series technically demanding. The naming of works after chemical compounds ties Hirst's pursuit of exuberant colour to the clinical language of the pharmaceutical industry.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned screenprint
- Release date
- 2012
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Screen Print; catalog dimensions 59.7 x 54.6 cm; Silkscreen print with glaze.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition of 150.
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature 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 spot paintings, begun in 1988, operate on the rule that no colour repeats within a single work. 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 2012 and attributes the edition to 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
What is the edition size?
The print was issued in an edition of 150, each signed and numbered.
Why the scientific title?
Hirst titles his spot prints after chemical substances; N-Methyl L-Aspartic Acid is an amino-acid derivative connected to neuroscience.
Is this a good first Hirst spot print?
Its smaller size and edition of 150 make it one of the more accessible entry points into the spot series.
What is the finish?
It is a silkscreen with a clear glaze that adds surface gloss and depth.
