The Complete Spot Paintings of Damien Hirst opened simultaneously at Gagosian Gallery locations across the planet yesterday. The eight lucky cities to host the eleven events are New York, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, Rome, Geneva, Athens and Hong Kong. More than one hundred and fifty individuals and institutions lent works to make this exhibit possible.
“The Complete Spot Challenge” is a goal set by the artist that rewards successful participants with a personally dedicated spot print should they visit all eleven galleries during the exhibition. Check with the gallery for details and get ready to log some serious frequent flyer miles.
Damien Hirst, Zirconyl Chloride, household gloss on canvas, 2008.
No one piece held me mesmerized longer than any other but the concept as a whole for this exhibit completely blew me away. Placing dots on the map and covering the empire was a gesture that further cemented Mr. Hirst as a man that is not afraid to take every advantage of his position.
Damien Hirst, The Complete Spot Paintings, installation view, New York, 2012.
I haven’t checked in with the press on this one yet but it is as sure as sunrise that the response to this impressive undertaking will be largely negative. It is a regrettable certainty that follows any artist commanding this much attention. The truth, however, is that looking around the largest of the rooms opening night at Gagosian on 24th Street in New York City revealed no unhappy faces.
Damien Hirst, The Complete Spot Paintings, installation view, New York, 2012.
Damien Hirst
The Complete Spot Paintings 1986-2011
12 January – 18 February 2012
Gagosian Gallery
NYC
Images courtesy of Gagosian Gallery.
