IN BLOOM: “The Secrets”
Thoughts on Damien Hirst
Whatever you think of him, Damien Hirst has undoubtedly rocked and ruled the art scene since his iconic Freeze exhibition back in 1988. After his rise to fame as king of the YBA’s he has cemented himself in art history as a provocateur and pioneer of contemporary art. His bold and sometimes controversial works have sparked debates about the boundaries of art and commercialism.
The genesis of Hirst’s newest body of work “The Secret Gardens Paintings” were first unveiled at Frieze London in 2023 to mark the 20th anniversary of the fair, a majestic celebration of art and culture that drew audiences to the gargantuan Gagosian gallery.
In the lush, Technicolor realms of the paintings, he relays a mesmerising dance of texture and colour. Vibrant flowers of every hue burst forth from their verdant surroundings, and according to Hirst himself,
‘They feel like the hope and futility we get when we try to control nature”
The botanical forms that spring to life within these paintings are not just a celebration of beauty, but a poignant reminder of our own fragility and impermanence. Whilst an original Hirst may be out of budget for many, earlier this year Hirst released an edition of prints called, “The Secrets”. The eight titles of the Secrets are; Realisation, Happiness, Tolerance, Wisdom, Reassurance, Resolution, Selflessness, Knowledge. All are available at Maestra Art.
The botanical works draw parallels to his Virtue portfolio, a.k.a the Cherry Blossoms. This series was created as a set of 8 back in 2021, with each edition sizing ranging from 800 to over 1.2k.
The series combines flowers with splashes of paint and features art historical references to Monet’s ionic cherry trees, Van Gogh’s rebellious use of colour and the pointillist works of Georges Seurat. Each print is named after one of the eight virtues of Japanese Bushidō according to Nitobe Inazō: Justice, Courage, Mercy, Politeness, Honesty, Honour, Loyalty, and Control.
Damien Hirst's enduring reputation as a leading contemporary artist, coupled with his frequent and innovative project releases, contributes to the value and appeal of his editions.
His passion for creating new and captivating works is a driving force behind the value and allure of his editions. Just think about it - a complete set of his 'H9: The Virtues' series sold for a staggering £151,200, shattering records and cementing its status as the most valuable Damien Hirst print-multiple auctioned to date.
In March, an edition of 'Loyalty' from the virtues sold for a whopping £35,280, and upon it’s release it was less than £5k. It's no wonder that his art continues to thrive on the secondary market, with acclaimed works in prestigious collections and ongoing market presence, Hirst's art maintains its value and liquidity.
We're thrilled to offer you the opportunity to own a piece of history. We have works available from both portfolio’s just ask for more information.
Whether you believe he is a visionary artist or a savvy businessman, owning a piece of Damien Hirst's work is like owning a piece of art history. He has a genius and has successfully challenged traditional notions of art and brought it to a wider audience.
His legacy, will continue to influence the art world for years to come.
