Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Turps Banana
Summary
Turps Banana is a 2011 digital pigment print with a silkscreen glaze by Damien Hirst, produced for Turps Banana Editions in an edition of 75 at 51 x 42 cm. Signed and embossed, it combines a giclée base with a screenprinted glaze layer. The work was created in association with the artist-led painting journal Turps Banana, whose name it carries.
Why It Matters
Turps Banana stands apart from Hirst's usual spot and skull output as a print tied to an independent painting journal, produced to support the artist-run publication. Its combination of digital pigment printing with a silkscreen glaze reflects Hirst's willingness to blend processes. The embossing and modest edition of 75 give it a distinctive, purpose-driven character.
Collector Perspective
With an edition of 75 and its link to the Turps Banana journal, this is a more unusual Hirst print with a specific backstory that appeals to collectors of artist-support editions. The hybrid giclée-plus-glaze construction and embossing are worth inspecting in person. Confirm the signature and embossed mark, and note the compact 51 x 42 cm scale when planning display.
Historical Context
Turps Banana is a respected artist-led painting magazine, and editions bearing its name were produced to support the publication. Hirst, engaged with printmaking from the start of his career, contributed this hybrid work combining digital pigment printing with a silkscreen glaze, a technique that layers gloss and depth over the printed image. Such support editions sit outside his mainstream series.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
Turps Banana was issued in an edition of 75, signed and embossed.
What is the medium?
It is a digital pigment (giclée) print finished with a silkscreen glaze layer.
What does the title refer to?
It shares its name with Turps Banana, an artist-led painting journal the edition was produced to support.
What are its dimensions?
The print measures 51 x 42 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.